Atlantic's engines swamped as she tries to rescue trapped lifeguard Conditions were so bad on the East Coast of Britain on 29 August that Cullercoats' Atlantic 21 was involved in a medal-winning service within the confines of the harbour. Despite the supposedly sheltered surroundings a swell more than 15ft high was sweeping through the entrance and breaking heavily against the cliffs.

The lifeboat's engines were swamped time and again as she attempted to get close enough to a lifeguard trapped on a rocky ledge and the difficulties and determination shown have led to Helmsman Robert Oliver being awarded the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum.The lifeguard was trapped on a rocky ledge inside the harbour, only about 250 yards south of the station.

Even though the boathouse was tucked into the northerly corner of the harbour and the breakwater was providing some shelter, the strong northerly wind was driving a 6ft swell into the harbour and on to the beach.

f Driving clearof the breakersjust after 1600 Helmsman Oliver made a few passes up and down the bay to assess the conditions and warm the engines through. Once outside the protection of the breakwater the Northerly Force 7 was kicking up a sea more than 15ft high which was breaking at the foot of the 60ft clifftrapping the casualty - and bouncing back out.

Although breaking seas had not yet swept across the lifeguard's ledge it was surrounded by water and, with an hour left until high water, there was a real danger that he might be swept off.

Although a cliff rescue team had been called they had not yet arrived and Helmsman Oliver realised that it was essential the lifeboat tried to rescue the man immediately.

Submerged Driving in towards the cliff on the back of a wave he swung the lifeboat head to sea just 200ft from the ledge, where the anchor was dropped so that she could be veered down.

Although two or three large waves broke into the Atlantic she continued manoeuvring astern until she was only 30ft away from the rock. Just then an even bigger wave broke right over her.

The engines were submerged, driven against underwater rocks and, not surprisingly, stalled.

With no power the lifeboat swung round head-towind (which was not true to the wave direction) putting her shoulder to the approaching seas instead of her bow.

While crew member Mark Charlton heaved on the anchor warp to haul the lifeboat clear David Pendlington went aft to check the engines. The starboard engine was eventually restarted and the lifeboat was able to claw clear, retrieving heranchor as she went.

Once in clear water the port engine was restarted and Helmsman Oliver made a couple of test runs to ensure they were working properly again.

Another attempt was made to reach the lifeguard using the same method. Again the lifeboat was swept by waves, and again a larger one swamped her at the last minute, drowning the engines. This time Mark Charlton was swept out of the bows, where he had been tending the anchor warp and injured his face on the console as he was swept past.

The engines were eventually restarted and the lifeboat taken out into deeper water. Helmsman Oliver thought that the anchor might have been holding the bows down instead of allowing it to lift to the oncoming seas, so they decided to try again without it.

Bounced The lifeboat went in for a third time, riding the back of a breaking sea until she was just 50ft from the ledge. This time a wave bounced back off the cliff, submerging the engines and stopping them yet again. A 15ft sea was about to break, and as the helmsman desperately tried to restart the engines the two crew immediately realised the danger and were able to get the anchor overboard on a short length of warp. Fortunately it held even on such a short scope and before they could start paddling clear one engine started and they were able to get clear of the breakers again.

When both engines were running the Atlantic closed to about 50 yards to assess the situation again, but the crew could see that people ashore had realised the dangers and were beginning to organise a rescue bid.

Hosepipe Using the only materials to hand the men ashore lowered a hosepipe over the cliff attached to a harness and were eventually able to haul the lifeguard up to safety. Having stood by during the rescue the Atlantic returned to station - but even then her troubles were not over. She made a successful net recovery, but before the carriage could be pulled clear a large wave tilted carriage and lifeboat over to about 45°. Fortunately it landed upright, and the lifeboat was pulled clear safely..