Disaster averted at Whitby When two lifeboatmen at Whitby station spotted a small boat heading seawards one afternoon in January 2003, they knew the crew of three were putting their lives at riskHelmsman John Pearson and Mechanic Glenn Goodberry watched with concern as a small day boat with an outboard motor approached the harbour exit. The boat had only been bought 24 hours before and this was the three crewmen's first trip to sea.

They were apparently unaware of the danger they would meet out of the harbour.

Winds were only force 3 at the time, but high winds from previous days together with the meeting of fresh water from the river Esk and the incoming tide were resulting in a swell of up to 3m at the harbour entrance.

With fears for the safety of the men, John and Glenn left the boathouse to keep an eye on them. John recalls: 'We were hoping he would turn around.1 But the boat kept going. Glenn used his mobile phone to alert Number Coastguard. At 3pm the relief D class lifeboat, Cetrek, launched with John at the helm and Stephen Boocock and Philip Webster as crew.

The D class passed out of the harbour through breaking seas and, with the radio help of Glenn and the Coxswain on shore, they soon located the day boat. The crew had finally realised their mistake and were trying to turn back to the harbour. They were getting dangerously close to the surf line, so John told his crew to rig a tow ready for rapid deployment.

The situation worsened as the day boat was surfing down the waves, out of control and her outboard motor had failed. John still remembers one particular moment: The casualty was picked up by an extremely large swell and broached to port.

I was sure she would capsize.1 So John swiftly took the lifeboat alongside the day boat. Later, John commented: 'The inshore lifeboat handled exceptionally well in the conditions.' He turned both the vessels' bows to the sea and ordered the men into the lifeboat and they didn't need to be asked twice! John recalls: 'The three crew of the vessel responded immediately to my command to leave their vessel. They were very grateful.' With three extra people on board, now it was the lifeboat that was at risk in the breaking seas. John remembers: 'With my crew as well there was a lot of weight on the boat to get back into harbour.' John was discussing their options with those ashore via VHP radio when he observed a lull in the breaking waves. With razor-sharp reactions he judged the moment well and made a successful run for the harbour entrance and safety, to great relief all round.

John Pearson received a letter of appreciation from the Chairman Peter Nicholson, who thanked John for his 'judgment, leadership and skilful seamanship' during this swift 10-minute service. Glenn's role was also recognised with a letter from Operations Director Michael Vlasto who complimented Glenn: 'Your alertness and proactive actions were instrumental in saving precious time in the launching of the lifeboat.'The 'level-headed teamwork' of Crew Members Stephen Boocock and Philip Webster were also praised by Michael Vlasto and John was pleased that: 'The crew carried out their tasks without hesitation, displaying professionalism during a difficult service.'THE WHITBY LIFEBOAT Relief D class lifeboat D-491 Cetre* Funding: 25th Anniversary Appeal of Cetrek Ltd THE CREW Helmsman John Pearson Stephen Boocock Philip Webster WHITBY LIFEBOAT STATION Established: 1861 RNLI Medals: 5 Gold, 14 Silver, 16 Bronze THE CASUALTY Crew of three on 6m day boat with outboard motor THE CONDITIONS Weather: Overcast visibility: Good Wind: Force 4 Sea state: Rough, 3m swell.