Seven saved ...along with an historic boatIn the early hours of 8 August 2001, the historic fishing vessel Reaper was on passage from Anstruther to Hartlepool in gale force conditions and rough seas. The 100-year-old herring drifter was taking water and, although this was normal for the vessel, her bilge pumps could not cope and had failedleaving her crew of seven in danger.

Amble lifeboat crew were alerted and launched the all-weather lifeboat minutes later under the command of Coxswain John Connell.

'My first thoughts and concerns were the .

conditions surrounding the callout - it was very windy, raining and there was a heavy swell' remembered Esmond Coulter, lifeboat crew member. 'The people who needed our help were in a very dangerous situation. Time was of the essence.'Conditions in the harbour gave little shelter to the lifeboat as she steamed towards the casualties last known position. The sea state deteriorated even further as the lifeboat continued seaward - causing her to be airborne at times - but skillful handling by the coxswain helped maintain good speed.A rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer had been scrambled earlier to take some pumps to the casualty but the violent motion and size of the Reaper's masts and rigging prevented it from getting too close. It was very dark and visibility was poor but when the lifeboat arrived on scene the helicopter helped by providing overhead lighting. The casualties were very relieved to see us and were keen to do what they could to help save the vessel' said Esmond.

The casualty's violent rolling motion made it impossible for the helicopter to drop a pump aboard safely. 'I knew that the lifeboat was the only chance of transferring a pump and saving the vessel.' said John.

The coxswain took control of the lifeboat from the upper steering position and crew members got on deck to prepare a salvage pump. Esmond volunteered to board the Reaper with the pump and readied himself as the lifeboat made a run in to assess the situation.

Initially, the rolling of the drifter pushed the lifeboat away but, using all his skill and boathandling experience, John managed to come alongside on the first attempt. The pump was transferred and Esmond safely timed his jump to the Reaper. 'The moments of particular concern were when I was manoeuvring alongside the vessel and holding the lifeboat against the side to transfer Esmond and the pump.' remembers John.

Esmond, too, remembers that moment well: 'I had concerns for my own safety and was thinking of my family at home' he said.

As the lifeboat was preparing to move back, a large swell caused the Reaper to roll on to the lifeboat's deck, causing some damage to her rails - thanks to the coxswain's quick actions in pulling the lifeboat astern, nobody was injured.The lifeboat then made a second approach and the pump's suction and delivery pipes were passed over by heaving line. The lifeboat deck was constantly awash during these operations and crew had to be attached by lifelines to prevent them being washed overboard.

Once aboard the casualty, Esmond supervised the rigging of the suction pipes and started the pump.

There was a lot of debris in the Reaper's bilge which meant that Esmond had to spend much time below deck keeping the pipes clear.

With the water level now dropping in her bilges, the Reaper made for Amble harbour with the lifeboat in close attendance. The helicopter was no longer needed and, before it returned to station, landed a spare pump on to the lifeboat's deck in case a backup was required.

'I knew we were safe the first time I looked up and saw the harbour entrance' said Esmond. 'We were out of immediate danger and closer to safety.' The casualty, escorted by the lifeboat, reached Amble and was safely, alongside just before 7am.

The salvage pump was left aboard until she was pumped dry.

One of Reaper's crew members had a slight head injury where he had slipped up earlier on the wet deck. He was transferred to the lifeboat and examined by Neil Hancock who cleaned the cut and swelling. The man also had a headache and was feeling nauseous so he was handed over to paramedics at the boathouse who examined him, dressed the wound and declared him fit and well.

The skipper of the Reaper contacted the station later in the day to say how impressed he was by the coxswain and crew - their actions had undoubtedly saved this historic vessel. 'The loss of the vessel would have been tragic as she is a popular visitor to marine events up and down the coast' he said.

On finding out that he had received an award John said: 'I am pleased and honoured, not just for myself, but for the whole station. I felt proud of the way the crew performed their duties in such difficult conditions.'THE LIFEBOAT Me'sev class lifeboat ON-1176 12-19 Four Boyt Funding Land'i End lifeboat appc*l. S«nn*n Cove Irfeboat apoeir, I .inriAii Broadcasting Compiny *pp»al. bcqimts or Clement Holland and Patlii Hlddlnton, together with othei gifts and l«g*ci*% THE CREW Chairmnn'i Letter ol Thanki Coxswain John ConnHI tor his 'leadership and boamanaimg skids Joined crew 1979 Emergency Mechanic 198S Coxswain: 1999 Occupation Fithtrmin Operalioni Director'* Letter of Think* Crew Member Eimond Coulter Mechanic Neil Hancock Crew Memoers David Ball Kevin Henderton William Gibson ChriMopher Nishri AMBLE LIFEBOAT STATION Established 184> Previous Medals Font Bionie.