Conditions at operational limits Thanks on Vellum awarded to New Brighton coxswain Anight-time rescue in atrocious conditions on the River Mersey led to thanks from the RNLI for the helmsman, crew and shorehelpers of the New Brighton lifeboat stationRough and confused seas of up to 3m, standing and breaking waves and a wind of nearly 50 knots created conditions at the very limit of the Atlantic 75 lifeboat's operational capabilities.

It was after midnight on Christmas morning when the Coastguard reported that two young men had been swept into the water at Victoria Slip, New Brighton.

Unable to launch at the normal site, Helmsman Michael Jones and his three-man crew went afloat at the more sheltered Fort Slipway.

Searchlights Half a mile away, outside the Chelsea 2000 nightclub on the New Brighton Promenade, RNLIshorehelpers, coastguards, police and members of the public lit up the river with car lights, torches and searchlights.

One of the casualties, who had gone to the aid of his friend, was bought safety ashore while the lifeboat motored northwards through waves as high as 5m, checking possible sightings by shore personnel.

These turned out to be various pieces of debris such as lifebuoys, bags, tyres, and tree trunks.

At 0120 the crew found the second casualty, submerged but attached to a lifebuoy. Although there was no sign of life they continued to attempt resuscitation until they beached in 2m waves at Egremont South Slip and handed him to waiting paramedics.

Sadly, he was pronounced dead on arrival in hospital.

Damage To prevent damage to the lifeboat Helmsman Jones decided to refloat her until a suitable site was available for net recovery. Meanwhile, Hoylake's all-weather lifeboat arrived and stood by while New Brighton's lifeboat was recovered using the net at Egremont North Slipway. By 0235, less than two hours after the initial alert, she was back on station and ready for service.

Hoylake's lifeboat returned safely to her station through the worst conditions some of her crew had ever encountered.The Lifeboat Atlantic 75 B721 Rock Light The Crew Thanks on Vellum Helmsman Michael Jones, tor his boathandlmg, seamanship and leadership Chgifrnan's Letter_of Thanks Crew Members: Barry Shitlinglaw. Paul Wright and Howard Jones for their courage and determination.

Director's Letter of Appreciation Shorehelpers: Neil Jones.

Nigel Jones, Christopher Henderson. Ian Thornton.

Simon Bowers. Paul Mountfietd, Mark Harding and Anthony Clare for their contribution to the search in adverse weather conditions.

Chief of Operations Letter of Appreciation Station Honorary Secretary Frank Brereton and Hoylake lifeboat s Coxswain and crew for their contribution and support..