Prompt action saves life of lone yachtsmanThe rescue of a lone yachtsman from seas off Hastings has earned assistant mechanic David Curtis the Thanks of the RNLI Inscribed on Vellum.In his official report, deputy divisional inspector of lifeboats for the south east, Colin Williams, paid tribute to Curtis for his 'prompt action in entering the water and his endurance throughout the service', The service, lasting over three hours, began at 1608 on 9 March, when the 33ft ketch Ngalawa located near Hastings Pier with one person aboard, reported an engine fire. At 1620, with a SW Force 4 to 5 wind and a moderate to rough sea and swell, Hastings' Mersey class lifeboat Sealink Endeavour was launched with coxswain Fred White at the helm.

When the crew arrived at the casualty five minutes later, no crew or signs of fire were visible.

As the lifeboat was manoeuvredto the casualty's stern, however, a man was spotted in the sea, clinging to the painter of the yacht's tender and calling faintly forhelp. Due to the motion of the two vessels, coxswain White could not come in close to the man for fear of crushing him.

Volunteer Assistant mechanic Curtis volunteered to swim 30ft with a line to the survivor, who was by now weak with hypothermia. As Curtis held him afloat they were both hauled back to the lifeboat.

To stop the abandoned ketch drifting onto the pier, coxswain White towed her clear beforelanding the survivor.

Curtis clambered aboard the yacht, attached a line and the casualty was towed away from danger.

While ambulancemenambulancemen on the beach took over care of the survivor, Curtis remained aboard the casualty, keeping warm by changing into dry clothes he found in the yacht's cabin.

As the lifeboat returned to collect him, its port engine overheated and had to be shut down, forcing coxswain White to continue on one engine. The tow was recommenced using just the power of the starboard engine.

Ready for service At 1835, Newhaven lifeboat took over the tow and running repairs made the Hastings lifeboat's port engine serviceable again. Following an examination by theRNLI south east machinery examiner the lifeboat was declared ready for service again at 2110.

Thanks For the calm manner in which he dealt with problems which arose during the serv ice, coxswain Fred White is to be presented with a framed Letter of Thanks, signed by the RNLI Chairman.

For their part in the rescue, second coxswain Charles Sharrod, mechanic Steve Martin and crew members Michael Barrow, Christopher Cooper, Barry Maslen and John Martin are to receive Vellum service certificates..