Helmsman Ian McDowell of the St.

Bees Atlantic 21 lifeboat, joined the crew in 1975.

He was awarded the Institution's Bronze Medal for his leadership, skill and courage when the St. Bees' C class inshore lifeboat saved the crew of two from a grounded fishing vessel in 1993.

The casualty was swept by breaking seas on an exposed reef and the lifeboat had to beach to make repairs after her propellers were damaged. She was able to save the men although the engines were damaged again and the two crew members had to be left ashore.

Shortly after the survivors had been taken to safety, the fishing boat broke up demonstrating how perilous the operation was and that the men would have perished had the lifeboat not reached them in time.

For the same rescue, Ian and crew members Alastair Graham, Marcus Clarkson and Paul McDowell also received the prestigious Ralph Glister Award for carrying out the 'most meritorious ' service of 1993..