Short but effective service by D class saves fiveThe RNLFs Chief of Operations has written to the crew of Burry Port's D class inflatable lifeboatcommending the quick, positive thinking by the helmsman, good seamanship and boat handling on his behalf and team work by his crew following a short but effective service which lasted only 13 minutes but resulting in the rescue of five people.

The events leading up to the service started at the previous high water, when the vessel, The firm, became stranded on the bank at the mouth of the Pembrey Channel.

That evening, as the tide flooded, two people waded out to float her off on the evening tide but could not start the en-gine. Another vessel, Triple A, went to her assistance to try and tow her off.

The wind was south westerly Force 5, producing a short choppy sea which was breaking over the bank from all directions.Because of the shape of the bank Triple A could not get head-to-sea in any direction and was being buffeted continually.Eventually a tow line was passed, but this fouled Tn'pfe/l's propeller justas TheFirm was lifting and grounding repeatedly on top of the bank, changing heading with each sea.

The helmsman, Hugh Owen, saw the casualties being pounded and swamped on the bank and went to the boathouse to alert the crew and then phoned Swansea coastguard to advise them of the situation.

The casualties were barely a quarter-of-amile from the boathouse, but the very confused sea on the bank itself meant that the helmsman had to pick his way to the most sheltered side of the two vessels.

He approached on the north side, to obtain the best lee from the prevailing wind and sea, but the inflatable was continually shipping water in the short, steep seas reflected from the back of the Burry Port breakwater.

By this time the smaller Triple A was on the windward side of The Firm, and her crew had boarded the larger boat.

Transferring five people from The Firm into the inshore lifeboat was extremely difficult as the confused seas kept pushing the boats apart.

However, the transfer was achieved without mishap due to good boat handling by the helmsman and team work by the crew.

Returning to the lifeboat station was also made difficult by the confused state of the seas near the casualty and by a beam sea when rounding the breakwater.

With seven people aboard large quantities of water were taken aboard during these manoeuvres, making the heavily laden boat even more sluggish.

All five casualties were landed safely..