Boys stranded at base of cliffWhen reports came through of two people trapped by the tide south of Tynemouth Harbour, Mechanic Kevin Mole knew a quick launch was vital Kevin Mole was at Tynemouth station when he heard that two boys were stranded at the bottom of a cliff at Frenchman's Bay, to the south of the Harbour. Balanced on some rocks, they could be in danger of being swept into the sea with the rising tide. Kevin realised immediately the urgency of the situation and prepared the inshore lifeboat for launch. As soon as experienced Crew Member Jimmy Scott arrived at the station, they set off.

The Tynemouth D class The Cramer Smuggler launched at 4.07pm on 14 August 2003 with Kevin as helmsman. The inshore lifeboat made good speed in moderate seas, force 4 winds and swell of up to 1.5m. The crew soon spotted the local beach lifeguard vehicle on the cliffs and made for the area directly below.

Two boys were on a large rock, 3-4m from the base of the cliff. The swell height was now up to 2.5m. They were occasionally being covered in spray from breaking waves.

Although in a precarious position, the boys were currently in little danger of being washed off. High water was not until 6.06pm.

Jimmy told the boys to stay put while Kevin considered the options. Through his local knowledge Kevin knew that the Bay was strewn with large and small rocks, which could damage the lifeboat's propeller.

Suddenly the boys started to make their way down the rock, into danger. Kevin acted immediately: 'I hoped we would be able to go in, bow first, grab them and get out of there.' As the D class closed on the boys a large wave came through. Kevin avoided capsizing by punching the lifeboat, stern first, through the face of the breaking wave out into deeper water.Kevin and Jimmy decided to veer down and they anchored the lifeboat successfully.

Despite having been told to wait, one youth jumped for the lifeboat just as the D class fell into a trough. He hit the sponson and bounced into the water, jimmy was struggling to keep the anchor line taut with one arm but still managed to grab hold of the boy's hand. Kevin helped pull the boy aboard.

With both lifeboatmen busy saving the boys, communications with the Coastguard lapsed. The South Shields beach lifeguards could see from the top of the cliff that the crew of two had their hands full, so they kept the Coastguard informed of progress. Kevin described the lifeguards' communications assistance as 'a Godsend'.

Kevin and Jimmy prepared to go alongside the rock to rescue the second youth. Kevin remembers the moment: The rocks were looming up, the seas were coming towards us and we had to judge when to tell the lad to jump.' When the time was right, the remaining boy was instructed to step into the D class and was soon safely aboard.

Kevin landed the youths at Little Haven, where South Tyneside beach lifeguards gave the boys a check up before they went home.

The D class arrived back at the lifeboat station at 5.12pm, with Kevin and Jimmy satisfied that they had done a good job.

For their sound judgement, excellent seamanship and boathandling skills and teamwork, Kevin received a framed Chairman's letter of thanks and Jimmy received a Chief Executive's letter of appreciation..