Fishermen stranded by engine failure There are many situations that a lifeboat coxswain does not look forward to.

Bad weather, manoeuvring with boats close together, towing a heavy, unwieldy vessel, waiting at sea for the tide to turn. On 13 December last year, the crew of the Workington lifeboat were faced with all of these problems.The Coastguard had reported a 65m vessel disabled eight miles offshore. 'Thankfully they had made an error,' Workington coxswain John Stobbart laughed. 'It turned out the casualty was 65 feet not 65m, which made life a little easier!' The lifeboat was launched and, as it made its way out of the harbour, it was hit by the full power of the Violent Storm Force 11, westerly winds.

John was forced to make constant adjustments simply to make headway in the atrocious weather.

The lifeboat also had to pass over the Workington and Three Fathom Banks, where large, breaking seas threatened to engulf the lifeboat. Thankfully there was a lot of moonlight, which meant we could see what was coming at us and take the necessary action,' remembered John.

When they reached the casualty, John decided to attach a tow and time the return to Workington to coincide with sufficient water over the bar. John skillfully took the lifeboat close to the casualty and Richard Matear threw a heaving line aboard. When the tow was fast, John headed south west, increasing the distance from Three Fathom Bank and putting the weather to starboard, thus easing the motion for the two boats. At 6.05, he came about and headed back to Workington.As the two boats returned over the bar, a particularly large set of breaking waves parted the tow. The crew reconnected the tow but, shortly after, it parted again. Finally, with the help of the trawler's skipper, the tow was made safe. Their difficulties were not over, however. As the seas worsened again, the casualty veered sharply to starboard, ripping out the after fairlead and damaging the rails.

Despite this, the lifeboat continued the tow, only to be told by honorary secretary Bob Mclaughlin that there was insufficient water for them to enter the harbour. John turned both boats to help minimise the effects of the weather and waited over an hour, until the waters had risen enough for them to continue safely into the harbour.

'It is nice to have recognition for the Workington station and alt its personnel,' Coxswain John StobbartThe Lifeboat Tvne class lifeboav ON-1141 Sir John Fishtr Built 1989 On station 1992 Cost £600.000 Funding Gilt from the Sir John Fisher Foundation.

bequests of Frances Elizabeth Jackson and Mabel Annie Young, other gifts and general funds.

The Crew Thanhs of the Institution on Vellum oxswain John Stobbart for his 'seamanship, boathandling skill and determination' Joined crew: 1987 Second Coxswain 1991 Coxswain. 1994 Occupation Building and civil en gin oering contractor Chief Executive's Letter of Appreciation and Vellum Service Certificates Second Coxswain Alan Ferris Mechanic Wilson Matear Deputy Second Coxswain John Harm Crew Members John Thompson Richard Matear Laurence Murray Workinglon Liteboal Stalum Established 1886 Closed 1905-48 Previous Medal Bronze 1974 The Casualty 20m motor fisning vessel Siskin Crew Three.