The ‘shout’ came at 3.20pm one Friday. In minutes, we were aboard RNLB Realistic and I was quickly settled in the Helmsman’s seat, the Coxswain by my side. In front of me was a comforting array of dials and screens – radar, GPS, compass, chart plotter and more.

Heading out between the harbour walls, we had a panoramic view and before long we had spotted the casualty – a tanker on fire. A helicopter was already on scene but a weather warning over the loudspeaker announced an imminent change for the worse. In minutes, a rising swell was making Realistic plunge up and down. Then came a heavy squall, rapidly turning to snow. What a day to be out at sea!

Waves crashed over the bow, blotting out our view momentarily. But then I noticed a cross-Channel ferry heading towards the tanker, presumably ready to assist. Rounding the stern of the tanker, we reached the lee side – she was listing badly – but then I discovered with dismay that our throttle was jammed fully open. I had to steer away sharply, only to find I was heading straight for the ferry. Further avoiding action was required and I was disconcerted to see a passenger liner and another ship steaming towards us!

My hands and brain were fully occupied by the swell, the snow and our speed, and I had no time to register what the third vessel was. With much slewing from side to side we managed to keep clear of this mêlée of craft and then – disaster – a submarine surfaced, just metres away. No amount of wrenching the helm could steer us clear and we braced ourselves for an immediate collision … Amazingly no one was injured, not even thrown off their feet.

The Realistic (or so I decided to call her) is the simulator at the Lifeboat College in Poole. All of the controls and displays behave exactly as they would in real life. This bridge can simulate any condition that an all-weather lifeboat crew might meet – as well as the truly unlikely!

I had been treated to this experience as part of a family weekend staying at the RNLI’s college for my 80th birthday and we had a splendid few days.

John Battison, RNLI Member
Totnes, Devon

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I always enjoy reading the Lifeboat. Unhappily, Anno Domini, changing climate and four operations have made it necessary for us to stop sailing and to sell the boat, owned for 35 years.

I find it rather harrowing now to read Offshore and Compass magazines so please arrange for these to be discontinued – and of course we no longer require your rescue services. It has been a comfort to know they were there in case of need. We have always managed to extricate ourselves from any problems encountered but the time might have come when we couldn’t.

From April, I am increasing my subscription.

Yours sincerely
Lucie le Cheminant,
Bembridge, Isle of Wight

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The Editor comments:
All RNLI supporters may stay at the Lifeboat College when the crew are away – see the advert on page 9. Thank you to the very many readers who wrote or rang to point out our error on page 52 of the last issue. A digit dropped out mid production, creating the impression that the Penlee disaster was in 1962 instead of 1981. Apologies all round.