Walkers saved from submerged rockThe skilled actions, in difficult conditions, of helmsman Ronnie Davies, 43, of the Borth lifeboat, saved the lives of two walkers, trapped on a sea-battered rock beneath Borth Head.

At 1920 on 11 July, Borth D class lifeboat, with Ronnie Davies at the helm, launched to the rescue of two people reported to have been cut off by the tide beneath Borth Head.

The wind was Force 5/6 with a moderate to rough sea causing dumping surf at the slipway and making the launch hazardous. After one unsuccessful attempt during which, unbeknown to the crew, a transom drain was ripped away, the lifeboat was driven out to sea.

The lifeboat was hit by several large breaking seas which the helmsman negotiated with skill and determina-tion. The casualties were located on a near fully submerged rock 50 yards from Borth Head cliff face. Spray and occasional green water broke over them as they clung to the rock.

Speed was of the essence but since a direct approach would have beenhighly dangerous in the conditions the helmsman decided to drop anchor and veer down onto the rock from 60m to windward and seaward.

With 6ft seas continually breaking over the lifeboat, it was noticed that the drain was missing. The lifeboat became swamped with water, making it heavy and difficult to control.

Helmsman Davies shouted to the casualties to prepare to jump aboard the lifeboat as it came alongside. The first attempt failed when the propeller struck a submerged rock, stalling the engine. It was restarted, but on the second attempt, the nearest casualty would not jump. On the third approach, one person did leap safely aboard. Encouraged by this success, the second casualty also jumped aboard as the lifeboat passed for the fourth time.

The anchor was recovered and the lifeboat was turned back down sea towards the shore. Helmsman Davies decided the safest and quickest way to land the survivors ashore was to beach the lifeboat on the slipway.

Waiting until he could ride on the back of a wave, Davies successfully completed the beaching at 1940.

The survivors were treated for shock and hypothermia.

In his report, deputy inspector of lifeboats for the west George Rawlinson wrote, 'The helmsman showed exceptional command and leadership skills, together with precision and competence in the way he handled the lifeboat.' Mr Davies has been awarded the Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum for his part in the rescue.

For 'the efficient manner in which the crew executed the service, backing up the helmsman admirably', crew members Louis de la Haye and Andrew Doyle have been awarded framed letters of appreciation signed by Chairman Mr Michael Vernon..