Speedy rescue saves diver Helmsman David Fordy and Crew Member Michael Hoyle were both standing at the front door of the Seahouses boathouse when the call came. An exhausted diver was in difficulty in confused seas near a cliff face. He needed urgent help as his life was in danger The crew of two had recently returned from a shout in the early afternoon of 26 October 2003. They had only just informed Number Coastguard that the D class lifeboat Sea Ranger was refuelled and ready for service but within minutes of the call they launched again. It was 3.23pm: the Mersey class lifeboat Grace Darling also launched, a minute later.

From the previous shout, the pair knew what to expect of the conditions: clear and bright with winds a northerly force 4-5.

But there was a heavy residual swell from the strong north easterly wind of previous days. A member of the public had called 999 and told Number Coastguard that they had spotted a diver in severe difficulty between Beadnall and Seahouses harbour. The man had been diving from the shore with a friend. The friend had experienced difficulty with his equipment but returned safely to the shore. The crew knew there was a real urgency with the diver near the cliff face and rocks: 'He stood every chance of being hurled into them by the seas.' On passage, David negotiated the heavy residual swell of 2m while maintaining full speed and reached the scene within 7 minutes. The seas were very confused around the cliff face with the swell and reflected swell meeting. In the 2-5m swell the crew could not locate the diver. But they stayed calm. David remembers: 'Once we were on scene our training started to pay off!' So David positioned the lifeboat on top of a wave and was able to spot the diver, 20m away.

He was only 20m from the sheer rock face and was being severely buffeted by the waves. He had been in the water for about an hour and a half and was exhausted from trying to swim against the wind and tide.

The helmsman powered the lifeboat towards the man, stopping with him on the lifeboat's port shoulder. It took all the strength of David and Michael to haul the heavily weighted and equipped diver aboard. At the same time David was concerned about the next breaking sea that was closing rapidly. There would be a real danger of capsize or swamping if they didn't get away in time. 'We got the diver aboard and got out as quickly as we could.

It was hellish there.' He powered the lifeboat away to calmer, deeper waters.

The pair quickly removed the diver's equipment and checked his condition before the Mersey class lifeboat arrived. At 3.40pm the diver was transferred to the all weather lifeboat where he was warmed through in the comfort of the wheelhouse.

Both lifeboats returned to Seahouses station. The diver required no further medical assistance but was given a warm drink at the station. Reunited with his dive 'buddy' safe on land, he thanked his rescuers profusely.

David received a letter of appreciation from the Chief Executive in recognition of his skill and bravery in this speedy service.

He reflects: 'I suppose it was a tricky rescue. It's only when you get back ashore and think about the job that you realise the dangers that we faced.'.