THE LIFE-BOAT The Journal of the Royal National Life-boat Institution

VOL. XXXVI SEPTEMBER, 1961 No. 397

Notes of the Quarter THE happenings in the first six months The detailed knowledge of the work of suggest that 1961 may well, in terms of the Institution which he brings with him figures, be an outstanding and possibly will be invaluable to the service as a a record year in the history of the whole, and to all those who have service. During these six months the worked closely with him in the past the Institution's life-boats were launched appointment is an extremely popular on service no fewer than 357 times. one. During the war Mr. Whorlow This figure is 20 greater than the served in the 3rd County of London number of launches for the same period Yeomanry, taking part in the African, in 1959, which was the busiest year the Sicilian and Italian compaigns of the life-boat service has ever known in Eighth Army, and was twice wounded. time of peace. 151 people were rescued The appointment of a new Secretary during the first half of the year. was necessitated by the resignation It is, of course, no novelty for record because of ill-health of Lieut.-Colonel figures to be established, for year by Charles Earle, D.S.O., O.B.E. Thus year the general trend is for more and within a few months the Institution has more calls to be made on life-boats. In been faced with the need to appoint themselves the figures may appear to both a new Secretary and a new Chief signify little. Translated into human Inspector. terms they indicate that more and more often the men who man the boats PREVIEW IN AID OF THE LIFE-BOAT receive calls to go out to the rescue of SERVICE others, calls which they invariably H.R.H. PRINCESS MARINA, Duchess of meet, no matter what the conditions. Kent, has graciously consented to be Translated into terms of money these present at a preview in aid of the figures show clearly why it is that year Institution of the new American musical after year the Institution's needs are "Do Re Mi," which is now running greater. Five or six years ago the successfully on Broadway. It is being approximate annual cost of the service presented in London at the Prince of was three-quarters of a million pounds. Wales Theatre by Messrs. H. M. Within a year or two this figure ceased Tennent. Starring in "Do Re Mi" will to be valid, and already for some two be Max Bygraves, the Australian years calculations have had to be based Maggie Fitzgibbon, Jan Winters, who on the assumption that a million pounds appeared as Cinderella in the Jimmy a year at least is the sum which has to be Edwards pantomime at the Adelphi raised. Theatre last Christmas, and Steve Arlen, a young singer who has compered NEW SECRETARY APPOINTED shows in "Talk Of The Town" for THE new Secretary of the Institution is more than two years. A leaflet which Mr. Stirling Whorlow, who has been a has been inserted in this number of The member of the Institution's staff for Life-boat gives details of the cost of thirty-two years. For the past eight tickets and contains an order form. As years he has filled the extremely res- all the profits will go to the funds of the ponsible post of Assistant Secretary, a Institution, it is hoped that many of the post which carried with it also the title Institution's supporters, particularly and functions of Establishment Officer, those who have some occasion to and much of the internal administration celebrate or feel they would like to of the service has been his province. entertain friends in a generous manner, 98 THE LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961 will take advantage of this agreeable been issued with two hundred cigar- method of supporting the life-boat ettes each, the use of which is expected service. At the time of going to press to be confined to services of more than seats are still available at all prices, but four hours in length. Small reserve what the position will be when this stocks are also being held. A similar number of The Life-boat appears cannot generous action on the part of Messrs. of course be foretold. P. J. Carroll & Co. Ltd. has made it possible for a corresponding arrange- CIGARETTES FOR LIFE-BOAT CREWS ment to be made for the benefit of life- As a result of a generous action on the boat crews in the Irish Republic. part of Messrs. Gallaher Ltd., air-tight Another act of generosity from which tins of Senior Service cigarettes will be the Institution is now benefiting is that placed on board all life-boats stationed of the Nestle Company, who are sup- in Great Britain and Northern Ireland plying free tins of condensed milk to for the use of crews who are out at sea life-boats fitted with facilities for making over long periods. These boats have tea.

Birthday Honours HONOURS bestowed on those associated O.B.E., D.L., J.P., chairman with the life-boat service in the Birthday of the Tynemouth branch. Honours for 1961 included:— C.B.E. MR. W. R. KNOX, M.B.E., M.M., J.P., Co. C., honorary Baronet. THE RIGHT HON. SIR secretary of the Portrush ROLAND THOMAS NUGENT, branch. D.L., J.P., president of the O.B.E. MRS. M. M. BRICKHILL, chair- Cloughey branch. man of the Wilmslow branch K.B. ALDERMAN R. G. C. and a member of the Man- KINAHAN, E.R.D., J.P., chester branch executive com- formerly Lord Mayor of Belfast mittee. and president of the Belfast M.B.E. MRS. D. ADAMSON, J.P., a branch. vice-president of the Hyde K.B.E. SIR LAWRENCE EDWARDS, branch.

THE LIFE-BOAT FLEET

153 Life-boats

LIVES RESCUED

from the foundation of the Life-boat Service

in 1824 to 30th June, 1961 83,104 SEPTEMBER, 1961] THE LIFE-BOAT 99 Diesel Engines in Life-boats BY COMMANDER (E.) R. A. GOULD, O.B.E., R.N. Superintendent Engineer, Royal National Life-boat Institution THE problem of finding the ideal method the ideal method of driving a life- of providing a life-boat with mechanical boat. power has occupied the minds of de- The petrol engine, although initially signers and engineers for more than a cheaper to make than the diesel engine, century. For many years experiments has a much higher fuel consumption for were made with steam. At the Great the same horse-power. It had been Exhibition of 1851 a model of a steam found that buses fitted with diesel en- life-boat which was entered in the com- gines were able to travel twice as far as petition for the Duke of Northumber- those fitted with petrol engines, with the land's prize was shown. same fuel consumption. Diesel fuel was Steam Life-boats also cheaper, and because it is less volatile and inflammable, the risk of fire In 1886 the Committee of Manage- was greatly reduced. In short, apart ment appointed a special committee to from the higher cost of the engines in inquire into the practicability of using the first instance, it was clear that the steam power in life-boats. The first order diesel engine would be in every way was placed in 1887 for a steam life-boat, more suitable. although the method of propulsion was that of hydraulic ejection, in itself a Introduction of the Diesel Engine forerunner of the Hotchkiss principle, During the last half-century there later used by the Institution. have been many developments in the Steam Jife-boats had only a limited design of life-boat power units, but none success, for many of the difficulties has been more important than that of which they inevitably presented were the use of diesel engines. found to be almost insurmountable. The first life-boat with a diesel engine Writing in 1874, Richard Lewis, who was the Yarmouth boat, into which a was then Secretary of the Institution, single six-cylinder cell-type engine of the pointed out very rightly that the heavy Ferry Engine Company's design was seas which a life-boat would often ex- fitted in 1932. This boat gave good ser- perience would prevent air from being vice, both at Yarmouth and while she drawn in for the fires; and as a result, was in reserve. The fitting of this engine engines would be disabled. Moreover, gave an opportunity of comparing two there would always be difficulty in find- boats at approximately the same time; ing men with sufficient skill to work the Yarmouth boat and the Portpatrick these engines among the fishermen and boat, which was fitted with CE.4 petrol long-shoremen who formed the bulk of engines of equal horse-power. The Yar- the crews. mouth boat could continue at full speed The Petrol Engine for 118 miles, using 29| pints of fuel It was in 1904 that an internal com- per hour. The Portpatrick boat could bustion engine was first installed in a continue at full speed for only 57 miles, life-boat. The experiment was not an with a fuel consumption of 64| pints immediate success, and it was not until per hour. At a cruising speed of 7| 1910 that a boat fitted with a Blake knots, the difference in petrol consump- motor made a passage of 538 miles in tion, and therefore radius of action, 11 days without any serious mechanical was even greater. trouble. In the same year another boat, The single six cylinder cell-type diesel fitted with a Tylor engine, made a engine was followed by the development passage of 425 miles in 4 days without of handed and watertight four and mechanical trouble, and from then on- six cylinder engines, and the Institution wards it became increasingly clear that has now as many as 122 of these engines the internal combustion engine provided in service. 100 THE LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961 The Small High-Speed Diesel Since this Perkins diesel engine is not Up to the recent war, most diesel fitted with hand starting, to provide an engines for boats were modifications of alternative method in event of the the bus engine, ranging in horse-power battery failing a Bryce Berger hydraulic from 40 to 60 and weighing close on a starter has been incorporated. ton. For our smaller class of life-boat, This has for its operation the sudden it was clearly desirable to have a high- displacement of a piston moving a rack speed, lightweight type. coupled to the crankshaft. The hy- The only diesel in this class which draulic pressure necessary to operate would conform to our weight limitations this device is pumped into an accumu- was the Admiralty Coventry Kadenacy lator by hand. In the Sheringham and four cylinder supercharged two-stroke Weston boats a power-operated pressure engine, developing 50 h.p. at 2,000 pump has been incorporated, as it is r.p.m. This was modified and made impossible manually to pump to any watertight and manufactured in a three- high pressure at sea to recharge the cylinder version to suit R.N.L.I. require- accumulator in the event of the eng- ments, developing 20 h.p. at 1,600 r.p.m. ines failing to start with original pres- For those not conversant with the Ka- sure. denacy principle of aspiration, perhaps a brief description will not be out of place. Commercial Engines: The Gardner Diesel The essence of the principle developed Late in 1950 the Committee of Man- by the Frenchman Kadenacy is that agement gave deep consideration to the for a given swept volume much higher possibility of fitting commercial engines compression pressures and thus more into life-boats. The problem of cost, power are obtainable. It works as simplicity of maintenance and ready follows:— availability of spares influenced the Products of combustion in the decision which was eventually taken. cylinder under pressure, having done It had also become clear that it was most of their useful work, are suddenly extremely difficult to maintain engines released or exhausted. There follows a in a completely watertight state, and vacuum in the space previously occupied that certain items deteriorated rapidly. by the exhaust gas. If the inlet ports are It was apparent, too, that there would made to open at the precise moment be advantages in adopting an engine in when the vacuum is created, the incom- daily use in the commercial world which ing air will rush in at increased speed, had survived the fierce tests of competi- and if the ports remain open long tion and which was made in a wide enough a natural supercharging effect range of horse-power and cylinders, all or build-up of pressure will result, with with standard parts easily obtainable, consequent increase in compression and and of proven long-running life and thus of efficiency. reliability. In 1954 a new type of life-boat, fitted Perkins Engines with two 4-L. W. Gardner diesel engines, The first of the FKR.3 engines was was sent to Coverack. A boat of a simi- fitted in the Rhyl life-boat in 1949. It lar type was later sent to Troon. Since has given good service ever since and then, all 42-, 47- and 52-ft. boats have there are now 24 life-boats fitted with been fitted with Gardner engines, which these engines in operation. have proved themselves extremely satis- The advent of the 37-ft. larger self- factory in all respects for life-boat work righting boats, with the need for greater and conditions. horse-power, has necessitated the fitting As in all matters connected with the of a Perkins P.4 43 h.p. engine, running construction and design of life-boats at 2,000 r.p.m., instead of this Kadenacy experiments continue, but there is now engine. One boat at Scarborough is so no room for doubt that the policy of fitted and has given excellent service, fitting commercial diesel engines has and two new boats recently built for been a momentous and outstanding suc- Sheringham and Weston-super-Mare cess and will result in a marked financial are similarly fitted. saving in running and upkeep. SEPTEMBER, 1961J THE LIFE-BOAT 101 Royal Ceremony at Broughty Ferry H.R.H. Princess Marina, Duchess of enough men came forward to serve as Kent, President of the Institution, named others had done before them. the new life-boat at a ceremony held at "Scotland has indeed a splendid record Broughty Ferry on Monday, May 15th, of achievement and I know that the 1961. In her speech Princess Marina Broughty Ferry station will continue to said:— uphold the best traditions of the life- "I can assure you that I am especially boat service". glad to be here today for several Captain W. F. Keay, President of the reasons. First to pay my personal Dundee branch, presided and a des- tribute to the gallant men who gave cription of the new life-boat was given their lives in the disaster here at by Lieut.-Commander W. L. G. Dutton, Broughty Ferry in 1959. Then to thank Chief Inspector of Life-boats. and to meet the men who so quickly Earl Howe, Chairman of the Com- and so unselfishly volunteered to take mittee of Management of the Institution, their places as officers and members of handed the life-boat over to the branch the crew, and finally to take part in this and she was received by Mr. A. R. Young, memorable occasion of naming your honorary secretary of the branch. new life-boat. The service of dedication was con- " The life-boat service has changed and ducted by the Rev. Ronald S. Thomson, is changing in many ways, but there is Minister of St. Stephen's Parish Church, one vital aspect of the service which Broughty Ferry, assisted by the Rev. remains constant and true. That is, of Malcolm A. Ritchie, Minister of St. course, the courage and endurance of James's Parish Church. the men who man our life-boats. You Musical selections were given by the here at Broughty Ferry must be band of the Tay Division, R.N.R., and particularly proud of the fact that the singing was led by the W.R.N.R. immediately after the disaster more than of Tay Division.

Television Appeal THE direct response to the first B.B.C. appeal made by Mr. Wynford Vaughan appeal by television on behalf of the Thomas to viewers in England, Wales and Institution brought in a sum of £4,233 Northern Ireland. £73619s. 8d. were con - lls. 4d. Of this amount £3,496 11s. 8d. tributedin answer to the Reverend James were contributed in response to the Wood's appeal to viewers in Scotland.

Photographic Competition THE Institution is holding a competition the Institution's property. Other trans- for the best photograph of a life-boat, parencies and photographs will be re- a life-boat station, or an actual rescue. turned, if requested, and acknowledg- The competition is open to members of ment will be made if they are used in life-boat crews, branch members and the Institution's publications. officials, and members of the Institu- The closing date for entries is the 30th tion's staff, and the following prizes are of March, 1962. Photographs should be offered:— sent to the Secretary of the Institution For the best 35-mm. colour- and envelopes marked "Photographic transparency - - - £10 Competition". For the best black-and-white Prizes will be awarded only if in the photograph ... £10opinion of the Institution the best entries The winning photographs will become reach the necessary standard, 102 THE LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961 Obituary EDITH. LADY BIRD, O.B.E., died on world war, and after the war was for the 1st June, 1961. She joined the Com- three years at the Admiralty on the mittee of the Central London Branch Naval General Staff as head of the Near- of the Ladies Life-boat Guild in 1933, Eastern section of the Naval Intelligence was Deputy Chairman in 1948 and Division. He was recognised as an Chairman from 1957 to 1959. authority on naval strategy, about which She was appointed an Honorary Life he wrote extensively. Governor of the Institution in 1955. ARTHUR FREDERICK EVANS died on THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD WINSTER, the 24th May, 1961, at the age of 89. P.C., K.C.M.G., died on the 8th June, He was appointed Surveyor of 1961, at the age of 76. He joined the Machinery of the Institution in 1914, a Committee of Management of the Insti- position which he held until his retire- tution in 1932, and was elected a Vice- ment in 1926. He was largely responsible President in 1955. for the development of the first type of He was at one time Minister of Civil watertight petrol engine used in life- Aviation, and Governor of Cyprus from boats. 1946 to 1949. Before his elevation to the The Institution also announces with peerage he was Commander Reginald deep regret the deaths of the following T. H. Fletcher, R.N. (Retd.), and had former coxswains:— sat in the House of Commons, first as a Liberal and then as a Labour member. COXSWAIN JAMES ROACH, of Plymouth. He served in destroyers in the first COXSWAIN EDDIE MADRON, of Penlee.

A Life-Boat Crew at Stockport THIS year marks the twenty-fifth anni- ton, Altrincham, Ashton-under-Lyne. versary of the formation of the Stock- Bolton, Blackpool, Burnley, Man- port crew of life-boat auxiliaries. In chester, Morecambe, Preston and 1936 three young men were asked to Southport. Representatives were sent to collect on Stockport life-boat day. The the Blackpool naming ceremony, to following year they were asked again Scarborough, to the boat showinLondon and with a number of friends collected and to the depot at Boreham Wood. a second time. The feeling among the men was that better results could be Crew Reformed After War obtained if they were organised and When the war broke out in 1939 their dressed for the part. Thus the "crew" activities were suspended, but Mr. W. L. was formed, and whenever they take Barber, a founder member, reformed part in an effort or function oilskins or the "crew" as soon as it ended. Today jerseys are worn. Even in the early days there are ten members who are all the interest and enthusiasm of the associated in some way with scouting. "crew" went far beyond the local life- They take every opportunity of visiting boat day. Members made a study of the stations and are prepared to help in Institution's history, some studied the many different ways—collecting, speak- design and construction of life-boats ing, acting as stewards or showing films. and others went in for model-making. Unfortunately, no record was kept of money raised before the war by the Annual Church Service team. Since 1955 they have collected In 1938 they started an annual life-boat over £900 and the excellent work done church service—an event which is still by this unique "crew" has been of real in the branch calendar each year. Help service to the North-West District and has been given by the "crew" at Accring- to the Institution as a whole. SEPTEMBER, 1961] THE LIFE-BOAT 103 Book Review S.O.S. The Story of the Life-boat women of the service, and the families Service. ByCyrilJolly. (Cassell, 12s. 6d.) who have served it generation after generation. There are biographies of five of its most celebrated coxswains, Mr. Jolly has already written the life and full and graphic accounts of six of Coxswain Henry Blogg, of Cromer. great services, and four life-boat dis- Here he tells the story of the life-boat asters. There are 26 illustrations of men service. His book is intended for and boats, wrecks and rescues, and an children. But anyone might read it with excellent page on the honorary workers, pleasure. It is written with careful know- on "the spirit of high endeavour" ledge and with infectious admiration which, as he says, is to be found not and enthusiasm. It touches, briefly and only in its coxswains and crews, but in clearly, on the history and organisation the honorary secretaries of its stations of the service, on the construction of its and the collectors of its many branches. boats, and its many technical develop- Mr. Jolly has selected his material very ments, on its special difficulties in time well from the abundance of the Institu- of war, and its problems of finance. But tion's records and has put a great deal the greater part is given to the men and into his 156 pages. C.V.

Medal for the Year's Best Paper THE Constantine medal of the Man- ing the session 1959-60. Mr. Oakley chester Association of Engineers has read a paper on the design, construction been awarded to Mr. R. A. Oakley, Sur- and operation of the latest type of self- veyor of Life-boats, for the best paper righting life-boat at a meeting on the to be presented to the Association dur- 23rd of November, 1959.

U.S. Coast Guard Disaster Five members of the United States swept overboard. One managed to reach Coast Guard lost their lives in an the crab boat, but this boat too cap- attempted rescue at the mouth of the sized, and the crab boat's crew of two, Columbia River on the 12th of January, as well as the five members of the Coast 1961, when three life-boats put out to Guard, lost their lives. the help of a crab boat. One of the life- Another of the life-boats also cap- boats, a 52-feet boat, managed to get a sized, but her crew of three managed to line aboard the crab boat, but the line reach the third life-boat. There was broke and the life-boat capsized shortly only one survivor from the 52-feet life- afterwards. Five of her crew of six were boat.

Portrait on the Cover THE portrait on the cover is of Cox- full account of this service appeared in swain Henry West of Sheringham. He the March 1957 number of the Life-boat. was appointed assistant motor mech- During the time that Coxswain West anic in 1940, became second coxswain has been an officer of the life-boat in 1947 and coxswain in 1951. Cox- Sheringham life-boats have launched swain West was awarded the silver on service 103 times and have rescued medal for gallantry for the rescue of 18 74 lives. The photograph is reproduced lives from the S.S. Wimbledon in 1956. A by courtesy of the Eastern Daily News. 104 THE LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961 Christmas Cards and Calendars THE Institution will again have a can be printed in, if not fewer than Christmas card and a pocket calendar twenty-five are ordered, at an added cost for sale. The card will be a reproduction of 15/- for 25 up to 50, 17/6 for 51 to in colour of the picture on this page. 100; 25/- for 101 to 200. It is a photograph of the 42' Aldeburgh Supporters of the Institution living in life-boat The Alfred and Patience the Irish Republic are asked to order

By courtesy ef ] [Surgeon Lieut.-Commander R. R. A. Coles, R.N. Gottwald. The photograph is repro- Christmas cards from the Dublin office, duced by courtesy of Surgeon Lieut. 32 South Frederick Street, Dublin, Commander R. R. A. Coles, R.N., of C.2. Alverstoke, Hants. The pocket calendar will have on the The card will be of four pages, with front a photograph of Coxswain J. G. the picture on page one, greetings on Souter of the Gourdon life-boat station. page three and the Institution's crest on It can be obtained in dozens. The price page two. The price of the card, with the is 2s. for the first dozen and Is. 6d. for envelope, will be 9d. Name and address each additional dozen. Two New Appointments COLONEL J. T. Benn, O.B.E., has been West Frontier operations beforethe war. appointed District Organising Secretary Lieut.-Commander M. Roden, R.N., for the Midlands in place of Wing has been appointed Northern District Commander E. J. Brooks, D.F.C., who Inspector in place of Commander D. G. recently resigned. Colonel Benn was Wicksteed, R.N.R., who is the new commissioned from the Royal Military Deputy Chief Inspector. Lieut.- College, Sandhurst, to the Indian Army Commander Roden served in the last in January, 1936. He served as a regi- war first as a midshipman, R.N.R., and mental infantry officer until the partition then transferred to the Royal Navy on of India in 1947, when he transferred to a short service commission. After the the Royal Artillery. He then served as war he served as first lieutenant and in regimental officer and on the staff until command of motor torpedo boats. In his retirement in 1961. He served in 1955 he transferred to the Royal Burma and Java'in the Second World War Malayan Navy, in which he was the and also saw active service in North- senior sea-going officer. SEPTEMBER, 1961] THE LIFE-BOAT 105 New Ways of Raising Money MR. Duncan Darroch, a regular and Miss Nora Balls, of Crewe Lodging, most generous supporter of the Institu- Bamburgh Castle, instead of taking a tion in Mount Cook, New Zealand, who fee for lecturing, asks Women's In- has a life-boat collecting box there which stitutes to make a donation to the life- brings the Institution appreciable sums boat service. of money, recently sold one of his * * * * pictures to an American lady, who lives Mr. Mason of Brancaster lent his in Honolulu. He gave the entire pro- Belgian fairground organ to a local ceeds of the sale to the Institution. organisation on condition that ten per cent of the takings were given to the R.N.L.I. Mrs. Cudlipp of Reigate and Redhill * * * * supplied tea to a party of Whitsun Mrs. Doggart of Selsey lets her travellers and instead of making a Father Christmas outfit and set of charge drew attention to the life-boat skittles out on hire on behalf of the collecting box. R.N.L.I.

Service of the Life-boats in April, May and June 75 Lives Rescued APRIL was a fresh south-easterly wind with a DURING April life-boats were launched rough sea and it was one hour before on service 40 times and rescued 7 lives. low water. During the time the cobles were being escorted into harbour the FIVE TAKEN OFF SPEED BOAT weather deteriorated considerably and Rhyl, Flintshire. At 10.15 on the night the life-boat was not able to return to of the 1st April, 1961, the coastguard her station until three o'clock. She informed the honorary secretary that a arrived at 3.20. speed boat with five persons aboard, which had left Rhyl that morning, had SEARCH FOR RAMSEY ISLAND not returned. At 10.20 a report was BOATMEN received that the speed boat was last St. David's, Pembrokeshire. At 1.20 seen inside West Hoyle. At 10.47, when on the afternoon of the 4th April, 1961, the life-boat Anthony Robert Marshall the coastguard informed the honorary was launched, there was a light south- secretary that a fire had been observed westerly breeze. It was one hour before on Ramsey Island. The honorary secre- high water. The life-boat carried out a tary took no immediate action because search and, with the aid of her search- in the local code of signals the lighting light and parachute flares, found the of one fire is the signal for the recall of speed boat at 11.40. The life-boat took the island boat. If the services of the on board her crew of five and towed the life-boat are required two fires are lit. boat to Rhyl, arriving at 1.10 in the About an hour later the honorary secre- morning. tary observed that a white sheet had been placed near the island landing- ESCORT FOR NINE COBLES stage and he decided to send the life- Filey, Yorkshire. At 11.30 on the boat to investigate. At 2.45 the life-boat morning of the 4th April, 1961, in the Swn-y-Mor (Civil Service No. 6) was absence of the honorary secretary, the launched with Dr. Middleton, the motor mechanic informed the branch station's honorary medical adviser, on chairman that nine cobles were still at board and the boarding boat in tow. sea and, in view of weather conditions, There was a fresh south-easterly wind the life-boat The Isa and Penryn Milsted with a rough sea. It was one hour before was launched ten minutes later. There low water. On reaching the island the 106 THE LIFE-BOAT SEPTEMBER, 1961] second coxswain and Dr. Middleton showers were frequent. At 6.10 the life- went ashore in the boarding boat. There boat John and Frances Macfarlane was they learned that the island boat had launched on an ebbing tide, with Dr. capsized earlier and that three of the Hepburn on board. Foula was reached six men on board had been rescued by at 9.35 and after two or three attempts Martin Evans in a dinghy. After taking the life-boat succeeded in getting along- the three men on board, the life-boat side the small pier to put the doctor made an unsuccessful, extensive search ashore. At 10.40 the doctor and patient for the three who were missing. The were embarked and the return journey life-boat towed the island boat to her to Aith began. The return passage was station, arriving at 6.50. very rough with almost continuous snow showers, necessitating very careful sea- FISHING COBLES ESCORTED TO manship. On reaching Aith the patient SAFETY was transferred to a waiting ambulance Boulmer, Northumberland. At 2.20 on and taken to hospital. The life-boat the afternoon of the 4th April, 1961, returned to her station at 4.5 on the the honorary secretary noticed that morning of the next day. three local fishing cobles appeared to be in difficulties. At 2.45, when the life- MAN AND DAUGHTER CARRIED OUT boat Clarissa Langdon was launched, TO SEA there was a fresh south-easterly wind Margate, Kent. At 5.34 on the after- with a moderate sea and a flooding tide. noon of 6th April, 1961, the coastguard She escorted the cobles to safety and informed the honorary secretary that a returned to her station at 3.45. small sailing dinghy was being carried out to sea east of Longnose buoy. A HELP TO FISHING BOATS moderate south-west wind was blowing Bridlington, Yorkshire. At 2.45 on the with a slight sea. At 5.40 the life-boat afternoon of the 4th April, 1961, the Elizabeth Elson, on temporary duty at harbour master informed the honorary the station, was launched on an ebbing secretary that six local fishing boats tide. On reaching the dinghy, which had were still at sea. At 3.15, when the life- drifted to about three miles east of the boat Tillie Morrison, Sheffield II was Longnose buoy, the crew of the dinghy, launched with the second coxswain in a man and his daughter aged 14, were command, the wind, which was from taken on board the life-boat. Cold and south-by-east, was of near gale force wet, they were wrapped in blankets and and the sea was very rough. It was rain- given warm drinks. The dinghy, a home- ing heavily and visibility was poor. The made canvas boat, was also taken on tide was two hours ebb. By 5.15 the six board. The life-boat arrived back at her fishing boats had been safely escorted station at 7.30. to the harbour and the life-boat returned to her station. INJURED MAN IN LIGHTHOUSE Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford. At DOCTOR TAKEN TO FOULA four o'clock on the afternoon of 14th Aith, Shetlands. At 4.55 on the after- April, 1961, the honorary secretary was noon of the 4th April, 1961, Dr. T. informed that a man in the Tuskar Hepburn informed the honorary secre- Rock lighthouse had injured his eye tary that a man was very ill on the and was in need of medical treatment. Island of Foula and asked if the life- At 4.30, when the life-boat Douglas Hyde boat could be placed at his disposal as put to sea, there was a light westerly wind the island boat had broken down and with a heavy swell. The tide was half the weather was much too rough to per- flood. When the life-boat had been at mit the use of a local boat. The request sea for about half an hour the lighthouse was supported by Dr. Black, Medical keepers informed the honorary secretary Officer for Health for the area. A strong that in view of the heavy swell it was not south-south-easterly wind was blowing considered wise to take off the injured with a very rough sea. Snow and sleet man. The life-boat returned to her [SEPTEMBER, 1961 THE LIFE-BOAT 107 station at 5.25. At 10.45 the following had sunk four miles west-south-west of morning the Douglas Hyde was launched Chicken Rock and that her crew had again. There was a light south-south- been picked up by the cable-laying ship easterly breeze and slight swell. On reach- Ariel. The life-boat met the Ariel one ing the lighthouse the injured man was mile west of Port Erin and the Tuskar's transferred to the life-boat. He was crew and one member of the Ariel's landed at Rosslare, the life-boat return- crew were transferred to the life-boat. ing to her station at 1.10 in the afternoon. They were landed at Port Erin and the life-boat returned to her station at 8.40. ESCORT FOR FISHING BOAT Dover, Kent. At 5.34 on the afternoon EXPLOSION IN MOTOR VESSEL of 15th April, 1961, the coastguard in- Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Nor- formed the honorary secretary that the folk. At 4.4 on the afternoon of 21st fishing boat DR. 64 was in difficulties April, 1961, the coastguard informed the with engine failure close inshore at St. honorary secretary that an explosion Margaret's Bay. At 5.53, when the life- had occurred aboard the motor vessel boat Southern Africa was launched, there Frandor in a position four miles south- was a light southerly wind with a slight west-by-west of the Smith's Knoll light- sea. It was one hour after low water. vessel, and that her crew had taken to The life-boat reached the casualty at the boats. At 4.10, when the life-boat 6.19, by which time repairs had been Louise Stephens was launched, there was effected. The life-boat escorted her to a fresh south-south-easterly wind with Dover harbour, arriving at 6.57. a moderate sea. The tide was half ebb. On reaching the given position at 6.20 TOW FOR BEAUMARIS FISHING the life-boat found that the trawler BOAT Ocean Dawn had picked up the crew of Porthdinllaen, Caernarvonshire. At the Frandor. The crew of the Frandor 6.15 on the evening of 15th April, 1961, were transferred to the life-boat, their the coastguard informed the honorary ship's boat taken in tow and their secretary that the fishing boat Ees Teyr life-raft taken aboard. The men were of Beaumaris had an engine failure and landed at Great Yarmouth and the life- was in need of assistance three miles boat returned to her station, arriving at north of Trevor Point. At 6.30, when the 8.40. life-boat Charles Henry Ashley was launched, there was a light north-easterly SEARCH FOR MISSING MEN breeze with a slight sea. It was one hour Bembridge, Isle of Wight. At 11.9 on after high water. At 7.30 the life-boat the night of 21st April, 1961, the coast- reached the spot where the Ees Teyr was guard informed the honorary secretary anchored. The life-boat took her in tow that two men had been reported to have to Porthdinllaen. The life-boat then re- left Cowes pontoon in an 8-ft. pram turned to her station, arriving at 9.15. dinghy for their ship in Cowes Roads, and there was anxiety for their safety. DUTCH MOTOR VESSEL'S CREW There was a south-westerly breeze with LANDED a slight sea. The tide was flooding. At Port Erin, Isle of Man. At 5.30 on 1.15 in the morning the life-boat Jesse the morning of 19th April, 1961, the Lumb was launched. At 4.58 a message coastguard informed the honorary sec- was received that an air search was also retary that the Dutch motor vessel being carried out.After seven hours the Tuskar of Groningen was being aban- search for the missing men was aban- doned by her crew in a position 15 miles doned, and at six o'clock news was south-west of Chicken Rock. At six received that the British ship Chupra o'clock, when the life-boat Matthew had picked up the yacht Coral Star in Simpson was launched, there was a distress and was towing her to the Nab moderate south-easterly wind with a Tower. As the Chupra wished to be re- slight sea and the tide was half ebb. lieved of the tow, the life-boat altered Shortly after the launch a message was course to the Nab Tower. The Coral received by the life-boat that the Tuskar Star was taken in tow by the life-boat 108 THE LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961 and brought to Bembridge, arriving at and escorted her to Rhyl, arriving at nine o'clock. 9.10. DUTCH STEAMER RELIEVED A YACHT ON THE ROCKS OF TOW Margate, Kent. At 3.15 on the after- Shoreham Harbour, Sussex. At 9.56 noon of 26th April, 1961, the coast- on the evening of 22nd April, 1961, the guard informed the honorary secretary coastguard informed the honorary sec- that the yacht Dutchy of Rotterdam retary that a message had been received was ashore on the rocks at Walpole from the Dutch steamer Deo Gloria that Bay, with her engine broken down. It she had the disabled yacht Aquilla in was then almost low tide and the life- tow with two occupants on board. The boat could do nothing until after six Deo Gloria was about twenty-five miles o'clock, when the state of the tide would south-east of St. Catherine's and had enable an approach to the Dutchy asked to be met outside Shoreham har- to be made. At 6.24, when the life-boat bour and relieved of the tow. There was Elizabeth Elson, on temporary duty at a south-south-west breeze and the sea the station, was launched, there was a was choppy. At 11.32 the life-boat Rosa moderate south-easterly wind with a Woodd and Phyllis Lunn was launched moderate sea. The Dutchy was reached on a flooding tide, and met the Deo at 6.40, a line was put aboard the yacht Gloria at the appointed place. The tow and she was pulled clear of the rocks at was transferred to the life-boat by two of seven o'clock. The life-boat towed the the crew. The Aquilla was then towed Dutchy to Ramsgate harbour and re- to a berth in Shoreham harbour and turned to her station, arriving at one the life-boat arrived at her station at o'clock the following morning. Because 2.32 on the following morning. of adverse weather conditions she was not rehoused until the afternoon of the RUNNING FOR SHELTER 28th April. Barmouth, Merionethshire. At 1.7 on the afternoon of 25th April, 1961, the INJURED MAN TAKEN FROM coastguard informed the honorary sec- TANKER retary that the local lobster fishing boat Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumber- May Blossom had made several un- land. At ten o'clock on the night of 26th successful attempts to approach the bar April, 1961, the harbour master in- against the strong south-easterly gale. formed the honorary secretary that the At 1.20, when the life-boat The Chieftain tanker Clydefield of Newcastle, on was launched, there was a rough sea and passage for Canada, had a man aboard it was two hours after low water. It was with an injured spine. At 10.40, when soon seen that the May Blossom was the life-boat William and Mary Durham running for shelter at Mochras. The was launched, with Dr. J. T. Sadler on life-boat therefore stood by until the board, there was a light south-easterly May Blossom reached safety and then wind with a smooth sea. The tide was returned to her station, arriving at 3.40. half flood. The life-boat met the tanker at 11.15 and Dr. Sadler went aboard. ESCORT FOR FISHING VESSEL The doctor carried out treatment, and Rhyl, Flintshire. At 5.5 on the after- he and the patient were transferred to noon of 25th April, 1961, a message was the lifeboat. An ambulance was waiting received at the life-boat house that the for the injured man when the life-boat fishing vessel Faith Star of Fleetwood, reached her station at midnight. with an engine defect, was dragging her anchor off the Point of Air. The message FISHING VESSEL ESCORTED IN FOG was passed to the coastguard and at 5.7 Cullercoats, Northumberland. At o.30 the life-boat Anthony Robert Marshall on the evening of the 27th April, 1961, was launched. There was a strong south- the life-boat Isaac and Mary Bolton was easterly wind with a rough sea. It was launched on exercise in a light north- two hours before high water. The life- easterly breeze with a slight sea and fog. boat reached the Faith Star at 6.45 Half-a-mile from the beach the seine- SEPTEMBER, 1961] THE LIFE-BOAT 109 net fishing vessel Mizpah was found Weston - super - Mare, Somerset.— heading towards rocks. The life-boat April 30th. escorted her to the entrance to the river Rhyl, Flintshire.—April 30th. Tyne and then continued the exercise. She returned to her station at 8.15. MAY MAN TAKEN OFF NORWEGIAN DURING May life-boats were launched TRAWLER on service 71 times and rescued 48 lives. Barra Island, Outer Hebrides. At 9.50 on the evening of 27th April, 1961, the SEVEN RESCUED AND YACHT coastguard informed the honorary sec- SAVED retary that the Norwegian fishing boat Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. At 1,45 on Reform, with an injured man aboard, the morning of the 2nd May, 1961, the fifty miles north-north-west of Barra coastguard informed the honorary sec- Head, had requested urgent medical retary that flares had been seen one aid. At 10.30, when the life-boat The mile south-west of the Needles fairway Rankin, on temporary duty at the buoy. At 2.10, when the life-boat S.G.E. station, launched with a doctor on put to sea, there was a strong south- board, there was no wind and a calm westerly wind with a rough sea. It was sea. It was two hours before low water. one hour after high water and visibility The life-boat met the Reform 25 miles was poor. The life-boat made a search west-north-west of Barra Head. The and at four o'clock the tanker Midhurst patient was transferred to the life-boat reported she was standing by the and was landed on South Uist, where yacht lyruna, which had broken down he was taken to hospital. The life-boat with a crew of seven, about one mile returned to her station, arriving at 11.30 east of Peveril Point. The life-boat made the following morning. for the position, arriving twenty minutes later, and took the yacht in tow. At 7.30 the coxswain reported that a man in the The following life-boats went out on yacht was in a diabetic coma, so a service, but could find no ships in doctor from Totland put off in a pilot distress, were not needed or could do launch and treated him. The life-boat nothing: towed the yacht to Yarmouth, reaching her station at 9.30. Hartlepool, Co. Durham.—April 1st. Beaumaris, Anglesey.—April 3rd. INJURED MAN LANDED Barrow, Lancashire.—April 5th. Humber, Yorkshire. At 9.20 on the Humber, Yorkshire.—April 9th. morning of the 5th May, 1961, the Dungeness, Kent.—April 10th. Humber Conservancy told the cox- Ramsgate, Kent.—April 10th. swain that a man in the Bull lightvessel Portpatrick, Wigtownshire.—April had been injured and asked if the life- 10th. boat would land him because the weather St. Mary's, Scilly Islands.—April was too bad for the Conservancy boat llth. to put out. Ten minutes later the life- Cromarty.—April llth. boat City of Bradford III was launched Aberdeen No. 1.—April 12th. at high water in a fresh westerly wind Barry Dock, Glamorganshire.—April and a moderate sea. The life-boat 16th. reached the lightvessel at 9.45, took the Dover, Kent.—April 16th. man on board, and at 10.15 landed him Lytham - St. Anne's, Lancashire.— at her station. April 17th. Port St. Mary, Isle of Man.—April MAN RESCUED FROM FISHING 18th. BOAT Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—April 23rd. Barmouth, Merionethshire. At 3.35 on Dover, Kent.—April 28th. the afternoon of the 5th May, 1961, the Longhope, Orkneys.—April 28th. coastguard informed the coxswain that Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—April 29th. the fishing boat May Blossom was in 110 THE LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961 difficulties four miles south-west of capsized in the middle of Portland Barmouth, and at 3.45 the life-boat The harbour and was drifting towards the Chieftain was launched. There was a northern breakwater. At 3.15, when the light north-westerly wind, with a moder- life-boat Frank Spiller Locke put out, ate sea, and it was two hours before low there was a strong south-south-westerly water. The life-boat found an exhausted wind with a rough sea. It was two hours man, the only person in the May before low water. The life-boat reached Blossom, which had sunk, clinging to a the whaler at 3.30 and found that the life-buoy. She rescued him, wirelessed men had already been picked up. The for a doctor and an ambulance to be life-boat crew righted the whaler, baled ready at Barmouth, and landed the her out and towed her to Portland, man at her station at 5.20. reaching their station again at 6.35. LIFE-BOAT LANDS BOY WHO HAD TWO YACHTS TAKEN IN TOW FALLEN OVER CLIFF Walton and Frinton, Essex. At 8.55 on Ramsey, Isle of Man. At 6.15 on the the evening of the 6th May, 1961, the evening of the 5th May, 1961, the coast- coastguard informed the honorary sec- guard informed the honorary secretary retary that red flares had been seen that a boy had fallen over the cliff at south-east of the coastguard look-out. Maughold Head and later asked for At 9.20, when the life-boat Edian the life-boat. At 6.35 the life-boat Frank Courtauld put out, there was a strong and William Gates, on temporary duty south-westerly wind with a rough sea. at the station, was launched with a small It was one hour before low water. boat in tow. There was a moderate About 9.40 the steamer Hydracrete westerly wind and a slight sea. The tide reported that the casualty was one mile was half ebb. The life-boat took the south of the West sunk buoy. It was boy aboard and transferred him to a near this position that the yacht Petasus waiting ambulance at Ramsey at 9.15. was found, with a crew of four, aground with a 45 degree list. The life-boat was THREE PEOPLE RESCUED FROM unable to get nearer to the yacht than YACHT 100 yards because of shallow water, so Arklow, Co. Wicklow. At 8.55 on the the coxswain decided to anchor until the evening of the 6th May, 1961, the Civic tide had risen enough for him to come Guard informed the honorary secretary close in. At 1.41 the next morning the that a yacht was burning flares about life-boat took the Petasus in tow, four miles north-east of the harbour. pulled her clear and made for Harwich. There was a south-by-west gale with a Meanwhile the Trinity House cutter rough sea. It was showery with poor Penlee, which had also put to sea, was visibility and the tide was flooding. At standing by the yacht St. Barbara about 9.14 the life-boat Inbhear Mor was half-a-mile inside the Sunk lightvessel. launched and on reaching the position The Penlee reported that she had to found the motor cruiser Falcon in tow return to her station, so the life-boat of the fishing vessel Pride of Ulster. altered course and took the St. Barbara One of the fishing vessel's crew had been in tow too at 5.30. The life-boat then put on board the Falcon to help the made for Harwich with both yachts, owner and his wife, but the weather had arriving at 10.46. The life-boat reached deteriorated. The life-boat rescued the her station again at 2.37 that afternoon. three people and returned to her station at 10.45. The Falcon became a total TWO RESCUED AND DISMASTED wreck. YACHT SAVED Redcar, Yorkshire. At 2.45 on the NAVAL WHALER TOWED IN afternoon of the 7th May, 1961, the Weymouth, Dorset. At 3.8 on the coastguard told the honorary secretary afternoon of the 6th May, 1961, the that a small sailing yacht, with a crew coastguard informed the honorary sec- cf two, off Marske appeared to have retary that a whaler from H.M.N.Z.S. broken her top mast. There was a Taranaki, with three men aboard, had westerly gale with a rough sea, and the SEPTEMBER, 1961] THE LIFE-BOAT 111

By courtesy of] [Scottish Daily Mail DUNBAR LIFE-BOAT TOWS YACHT "ASKADEL" (See page 129) 112 THE LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961

By courtesy of} [George Outram and Co. Ltd. NAMING CEREMONY AT BROUGHTY FERRY (See page 101).

NEW BROUGHTY FERRY LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961 THE LIFE-BOAT 113

By courtesy of ] [Isle of Thanet Gazette RAMSGATE LIFE-BOAT TOWS IN YACHT "ALLY SLOPER" (See page 119).

By courtesy of} {Eastern Daily Press LOWESTOFT LIFE-BOAT STANDS BY M.V. "AMELAND' (See page 120). 114 THE LIFE-BOAT SEPTEMBER, 1961]

LAUNCH BY HORSES AT PADSTOW FIFTY YEARS AGO

LAUNCH BY TRACTOR AT ST. IVES TODAY [SEPTEMBER, 1961 THE LIFE-BOAT 115

STIRLING WHORLOW, ESQ. The newly appointed Secretary of the Institution. 116 THE LIFE-BOAT SEPTEMBER, 1961]

By courtesy of] [Harold Rees, Fishguard ANGLE LIFE-BOAT STANDS BY CARGO SHIP "ETROG" (See page 129).

By courtesy of] [Harold Rees, Fishguard ANGLE LIFE-BOAT LANDS NINE PEOPLE FROM THE "ETROG" SEPTEMBER, 1961] THE LIFE-BOAT 117

By courtesy of ] [Eastern Daily Press LAUNCH OF GREAT YARMOUTH AND GORLESTON LIFE-BOAT

Bv courtesy of ] [Stockport Express Ltd. STOCKPORT CREW OF LIFE-BOAT AUXILIARIES (See page 102). 118 THE LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961

By courtesy of] [Eastern Daily Press

LIFE-BOAT—HELICOPTER EXERCISE OFF CROMER SEPTEMBER, 1961] THE LIFE-BOAT 119 tide was ebbing. At 2.55 the life-boat Inishturk was seriously ill. As weather City of Leeds was launched and found conditions were not suitable for a local the yacht Till Then with her mast boat to put out, the assistance of the broken and sails carried away. The life- life-boat had been requested. The life- boat towed the Till Then to Staithes boat embarked a doctor at Inishboffin harbour and returned to her station at at 7.30 and reached Inishturk at nine. 6.30 that evening. The patient was taken by the life-boat to Cleggan, which was reached at 12.15 YACHT BEACHED BY LIFE-BOAT the next morning, and transferred to a AND CREW RESCUED waiting ambulance. The life-boat then New Brighton, Cheshire. At 5.10 on returned to her station, arriving at 8.15. the evening of the 7th May, 1961, the police informed the honorary secretary HELP GIVEN TO CABIN CRUISER that a yacht with a crew of three was in Beaumaris, Anglesey. At 8.25 on the distress off Cressington Park. Twelve evening of the llth May, 1961, the minutes later, when the life-boat Norman coastguard told the honorary secretary B. Corlett put out, there was a strong that a cabin cruiser, which had a crew of westerly wind with a choppy sea. It was three, had broken down off Dinmore high water. The life-boat found the and had asked for help. At 8.50, when yacht Rondinella broken down off the life-boat Field Marshal and Mrs. Otterspool, took her in tow and made Smuts was launched, there was a light for Rock Ferry. She could not be wind with a calm sea. The life-boat berthed there because of shallow water. reached the cabin cruiser Helen at 9.20 The life-boat beached her at New and put a line aboard. She towed her to Brighton, reaching her station again at the River Conway and returned to her 7.36. station, arriving at 1.3 the following morning. NAVAL VESSEL HANDS TOW OVER TO LIFE-BOAT ANOTHER CABIN CRUISER IN Ramsgate, Kent. At 9.1 on the morn- NEED OF HELP ing of the 8th May, 1961, the coast- Troon, Ayrshire. At 11.10 on the guard informed the honorary secretary night of the 12th May, 1961, the life- that a yacht, the Ally Sloper, with two boat Charlotte Elizabeth, on temporary men aboard, was in difficulties three duty at the station, put to sea. The cox- miles east of the North Goodwin light- swain had seen a cabin cruiser, which vessel. At 9.15, when the life-boat had broken down, making distress Michael and Lily Davis put out, there signals and had reported to the honorary was a fresh south-westerly wind with a secretary. The weather was calm, the rough sea. The tide was half ebb. The sea was smooth and it was two hours survey ship H.M.S. Enterprise also went before high water. The life-boat found to the yacht's assistance and took her in the lona Maid, which had a crew of tow. At 10.22 the tow was transferred seven, towed her to Irvine harbour, and to the life-boat, which took the Ally arrived back at her station at 12.55 Sloper to Ramsgate, arriving at 12.30. early the next morning.

SICK MAN BROUGHT FROM INJURED BOY LANDED ISLAND Bembridge, Isle of Wight. At 9.5 on Galway Bay, Co. Galway. At one the evening of the 13th May, 1961, the o'clock on the afternoon of the 8th May, coastguard informed the honorary sec- 1961, when the life-boat Mabel Marion retary that a boy had fallen over the Thompson put off in response to a call cliffs at Horseshoe Bay and had been from the police at Louisburgh, Co. seriously injured. At 9.11, when the life- Mayo, there was a strong west-north- boat Jesse Lumb was launched with the westerly wind blowing with a rough sea boarding boat in tow, there was no wind. and ebbing tide. The message had The sea was calm and the tide flooding. stated that a man on the island of The life-boat found the boy and took 120 THE LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961 him to her station, where a doctor was the coastguard told the honorary sec- waiting with an ambulance, arriving at retary that a fishing vessel, with a crew 10.12. of four, had broken down and was YACHT TOWED INTO HARBOUR drifting two miles north of Heugh. The men were waving a red flag, so at 1.35 Rhyl, Flintshire. At 10.52 on the the life-boat The Princess Royal (Civil night of the 14th May, 1961, a report Service No. 7) was launched. There was was received from the Golden Sands a light northerly wind and a slight sea. holiday camp that a yacht had capsized It was one hour before low water. The half-a-mile off shore in Kinmel Bay. life-boat found the fishing beat Border Three minutes later, when the life-boat Queen of Berwick, towed her to Hartle- Anthony Robert Marshall was launched, pool, and returned to her station at 1.10. there was a moderate wind and sea and it was high water. The crew of two of FISHING BOAT BROKEN DOWN IN the yacht Onyx had been picked up by CHOPPY SEA another yacht. The life-boat righted Hastings, Sussex. At 3.12 on the the Onyx, towed her to Rhyl and reach- morning of the 16th May, 1961, the ed her station at 1.15 that afternoon. coastguard informed the honorary sec- TOW FOR FISHING BOAT WITH retary that red flares had been observed ENGINE FAULT between four and five miles south-east North Sunderland, Northumberland. of Fairlight. At 3.35, when the life-boat At eleven o'clock on the night of the Lucy Lavers, on temporary duty at the 14th May, 1961, the honorary secretary station, was launched, there was a was informed that the local fishing boat moderate east-north-easterly wind and Harvest Queen had broken down and a choppy sea. The tide was half ebb. was in need of help. At 11.20, when the The life-boat found that the fishing boat life-boat Grace Darling was launched, Dorothy Melinda had broken down. there was a light south-easterly wind She towed her to Hastings, arriving at with a slight sea. It was one hour after 5.50. low water. The life-boat found the GERMAN TIMBER SHIP ESCORTED Harvest Queen three miles north-east of Seahouses, towed her to North Sunder- Lowestoft, Suffolk. At 3.25 on the land and reached her station again at morning of the 16th May, 1961, the 12.35 early the next morning. coastguard informed the honorary sec- retary that the motor vessel Ameland, of DRIFTING FISHING BOAT TOWED Gliickstadt, was aground on Holm INTO HARBOUR Sand about three and a half miles east Valentia, Co. Kerry. At 10.40 on the of Lowestoft. She was in no immediate morning of the 15th May, 1961, danger, but at 4.18 the coastguard asked Valentia radio informed the honorary for the life-boat. There was a light secretary that the fishing boat Ros Bui north-easterly breeze with a slight sea, of Dublin had broken down three miles and it was nearly low water. At 4.37 the north-west of Lemon Rock. At 11.3, life-boat Cecil and Lilian Phillpot, on when the life-boat Peter and Sarah temporary duty at the station, put to Blake, on temporary duty at the station, sea. She found that the Ameland, which put out, there was a light northerly had a deck cargo of timber, was listing wind with a slight sea. It was high heavily. The life-boat stood by until she water. The life-boat reached the boat at refloated on the flood tide and then 12.40, put a line aboard and towed her escorted her into Lowestoft harbour, to Portmagee, arriving at 2.30 that arriving at 7.37. afternoon. The life-boat then returned to her station, arriving at 3.45. YACHT DISMASTED IN ROUGH SEA St. Peter Port, Guernsey. At 4.30 on FISHERMEN ADRIFT WAVE FOR the afternoon of the 16th May, 1961, the HELP signal station reported that the yacht Hartlepool, Co. Durham. At 12.10 on Overlord, which had a crew of six, had the afternoon of the 15th May, 1961, been dismasted thirty miles west of SEPTEMBER, 1961] THE LIFE-BOAT 121 Hanois lighthouse and that the tanker the fishing vessel Venture had broken Volvatella had taken off her crew and down south-east of the gas buoy. It was standing by her. At 5.15, when the was raining, there was a northerly life-boat Euphrosyne Kendal put out, breeze with a moderate swell, and the there was a strong east-north-easterly tide was flooding. The life-boat towed wind with a rough sea and flooding the Venture to Blyth, arriving at 7.45. tide. About 9.50 the life-boat reached the yacht, passed a line across and put TWO YACHTSMEN RESCUED AND two men aboard. Two of the crew of the YACHT SAVED Overlord were taken into the life-boat, Walton and Frinton, Essex. At 1.42 which towed the yacht to St. Peter on the afternoon of the 20th May, 1961, Port, arriving at 5.10 the following the coastguard informed the honorary morning. secretary that a yacht between two and three miles off shore was burning a TOW FOR FISHING BOAT WITH flare. At 2.3, when the life-boat Edian ENGINE BREAKDOWN Courtauld put to sea with the second Baltimore, Co. Cork. At 9.15 on the coxswain in command, there was a morning of the 17th May, 1961, when moderate north-north-westerly wind the life-boat Sarah Tilson was launched and a moderate sea. It was two hours to go to the help of a drifting fishing after low water. The life-boat found the boat, there was a light east-south- yacht Tessa, which had a crew of two, easterly wind with a choppy sea. The broken down and without her running tide was ebbing and visibility was poor. rigging, which had carried away. Near The life-boat found that the fishing boat, by was the yacht Tringa, which had which was eight miles west-north-west damaged her rudder in trying to help of Fastnet Rock, had broken down. the Tessa. The life-boat took both She towed her to Baltimore, arriving at yachts in tow and made for Harwich, 2.20 that afternoon. where the Tessa was moored at 4.30. During the passage to Harwich the SICK MAN LANDED FROM GREEK crew of the Tringa had repaired their STEAMER rudder, so they put to sea again, and Penlee, Cornwall. At 10.45 on the the life-boat returned to her station, morning of the 17th May, 1961, the arriving at 7.15 that evening. honorary secretary was informed that the s.s. Olympos, of Greece, had a sick SEARCH FOR CANOEISTS IN man aboard and would be off Penlee CHOPPY SEA about 12.45. She had requested medical Walmer, Kent. At 3.18 on the after- help. At 11.30 the life-boat Solomon noon of the 20th May, 1961, the coast- Browne was launched. There was a guard informed the honorary secretary fresh easterly wind, with a moderate sea, that he had seen from the cliff-top at and it was nearly low water. The life- St. Margaret's two canoeists capsize boat made for Newlyn and embarked about a mile off shore in choppy seas. a doctor. She met the Olympos at one A converted life-boat rescued them but o'clock that afternoon. The life-boat another canoe was seen to overturn took the sick man aboard and landed further to the north, throwing its crew him at Newlyn at 2.15. The life-boat of two into the sea. The flood tide remained there because of bad weather carried them rapidly northwards. At and returned to her station later the 3.24 the life-boat Charles Dibdin, (Civil same day. Service No. 32) was launched in a strong northerly wind and a moderate sea. She LIFE-BOAT ON EXERCISE TAKES found two empty canoes one mile off FISHING BOAT IN TOW the North Foreland cliffs and later the Blyth, Northumberland. At 7.15 on two canoeists were seen on the rocks the evening of the 19th May, 1961, under the cliffs near the Royal Marine during an exercise launch of the life- rifle range at Deal. The life-boat sent boat City of Bradford II, on temporary a radio message asking that the firing be duty at the station, it was noticed that stopped and for help to be sent from 122 THE LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961 the range. A party of Royal Marines help was needed. A moderate westerly arrived with stretchers and blankets gale was blowing with a rough sea, and and took the canoeists to Deal hospital. the tide was flooding. At 1.20 the life- The life-boat returned to her station boat Archibald and Alexander M. with the two canoes, arriving at 5.30. Paterson was launched with the district officer of coastguard and the sergeant CREW OF MOTOR CRUISER RESCUED of police on board. She made for Sule- Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. At 6.31 on the Skerry, entered a small gully there and evening of the 20th May, 1961, the moored. Two members of the life- coastguard informed the honorary sec- boat's crew landed, accompanied by retary that an open boat with an out- the coastguard officer, and, with the board motor had broken down and was help of one of the lighthouse keepers, drifting about two miles off Jaywick. recovered the body of the missing The crew appeared to be attempting to keeper from the cliff south of Dunas restart the engine and the coastguard Rock. The life-boat took the body to kept the boat under observation. At Stromness, arriving at midnight. 7.33 a further message was received that the boat had gone aground five MOTOR LAUNCH SINKING OFF miles south-east of Clacton pier. At LIFE-BOAT SLIPWAY 7.50 the life-boat Sir Godfrey Baring Beaumaris, Anglesey. At 7.50 on the was launched in a light north-west wind, evening of the 23rd May, 1961, the life- a slight sea and an ebbing tide. As the boat motor mechanic told the honorary light was failing, the help of a helicopter secretary that a motor launch close to was requested to assist in the search, the life-boat slipway appeared to be but in the meantime the life-boat found sinking and that her crew had asked for the motor cruiser Persaro II near Heaps help. A light west-north-west wind was buoy. She took the crew of two on board blowing with a slight sea. The motor and towed the cabin cruiser to Clacton, mechanic and assistant motor mechanic arriving at 12.15 early the next morning. at once put out in the life-boat boarding boat and found that the vessel was the MAN FALLEN OVER CLIFF LANDED Vasa with a crew of six. They landed BY LIFE-BOAT the men, but at 8.13 the life-boat Field Portpatrick, Wigtownshire. At 4.38 Marshal and Mrs. Smuts was launched on the afternoon of the 21st May, 1961, to tow the Vasa out of the fairway. The the coastguard informed the honorary life-boat beached her and arrived back secretary that a man had fallen over a at her station at ten o'clock. cliff. Ten minutes later, when the life- boat Jeanie put to sea, with the boarding TOW FOR YACHT WITH FOULED boat in tow and a doctor aboard, there PROPELLER was a light south-westerly wind with a St. Peter Port, Guernsey. At 4.34 on slight sea. It was high water. The life- the afternoon of the 25th May, 1961, boat found the man unconscious at the the honorary secretary was informed foot of the cliffs two miles north of that a 25-feet yacht needed help about a Portpatrick and took him to Port- mile east-north-east of Platte Fougere. patrick, where he was transferred to a There was a light easterly wind with waiting ambulance at 5.35. a slight sea. At 4.55 the life-boat Euphrosyne Kendal put to sea at high BODY OF LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER water. Three miles east-north-east of RECOVERED Platte Fougere lighthouse she found Stromness, Orkneys. At 12.22 on the the auxiliary ketch Missel Thrush with afternoon of the 23rd May, 1961, the a rope round her propeller. Her crew coastguard informed the honorary sec- had been inable to hoist her sails. retary that the body of a lighthouse One of the life-boat crew boarded her, keeper, who had been missing for over a rope was passed across, and the life- a week from Sule-Skerry, had been boat towed her to St. Peter Port, arriv- found south of Dunas Rock and that ing at 6.35 that evening. SEPTEMBER, 1961] THE LIFE-BOAT 123 FISHING BOAT REFLOATED returned to her station at 4.30 that St. Ives, Cornwall. At 8.50 on the afternoon. evening of the 25th May, 1961, the coastguard informed the coxswain that TOW OF YACHT TAKEN OVER FROM the fishing boat White Heather was STEAMER aground three hundred yards south of Port St. Mary, Isle of Man. At 12.40 St. Ives pier and that her crew of four early on the morning of the 26th May, were trying to refloat her. At 9.20, when 1961, the coastguard informed the the life-boat Edgar, George, Orlando and honorary secretary that a message had Eva Child was launched, there was a been received from the motor vessel light north-north-easterly wind with a Durham that the yacht Helma II, which moderate sea. It was one hour and a had a crew of two, had broken down half after low water. The life-boat and was in need of help about fourteen found that the White Heather had miles south of Port St. Mary. At 1.40 fouled her propeller on her anchor cable: the life-boat R. A. Colby Cubbin No. 2 She pulled her clear, towed her to put to sea. There was a moderate St. Ives and arrived back at her station northerly wind with a slight sea, and it at 12.45 early the next morning. was two hours before low water. The life-boat found the yacht about three TANKER'S BOAT SAVED AND miles south of Langness in tow of the EIGHT RESCUED s.s. Pointer. She took over the tow and Moelfre, Anglesey. At nine o'clock on made for Port St. Mary, arriving at five the evening of the 25th May, 1961, the o'clock. coastguard informed the honorary sec- retary that a boat from the tanker North PILOT OF CRASHED AIRCRAFT Monarch of Monrovia had broken down LANDED a mile to the north-east. At 9.10, Dover, Kent. At 10.55 on the morning when the life-boat Watkin Williams was of the 27th May, 1961, the coastguard launched, there was a fresh north- informed the honorary secretary that an easterly wind with a rough sea and it aircraft had crashed into the sea near was high water. The life-boat found the the Varne lightvessel and that the pilot boat with eight people aboard, towed had been picked up by the lightvessel's her to the tanker and then made for crew. At 11.10, when the life-boat Beaumaris because of the weather. She Southern Africa put out, there was a arrived at midnight and stayed there moderate northerly wind with a slight until the 27th. She returned to her sea and it was one hour after high water. station at 1.45 that afternoon. The life-boat reached the lightvessel at 12.47, took the pilot on board and MAN AND BOY RESCUED FROM landed him at Dover at 2.30 that after- LEAKING BOAT noon. Penlee, Cornwall. At 9.55 on the evening of the 25th May, 1961, the TWO BOATS ESCORTED IN ROUGH coastguard informed the honorary sec- SEA retary that the fishing boat Susan was North Sunderland, Northumberland. burning flares off Cudden Point. A fresh At 3.35 on the afternoon of the 27th east-north-east wind was blowing with May, 1961, the honorary secretary was a choppy sea, and the tide was flooding. informed that anxiety was felt for the At 10.5 the life-boat Solomon Browne safety of two local boats which had was launched. She found the Susan with taken parties of visitors to the Fame a man and a boy on board about two Islands. At four o'clock, when the life- hundred yards south-east of Cudden boat Grace Darling was launched, there Point. Her engine had broken down and was a fresh northerly wind with a rough she was leaking badly. The life-boat sea. It was two hours after high water. rescued the two people, put two men The life-boat found the boats Kindly aboard and towed the Susan to Newlyn, Light and Mercury, escorted them to arriving at 12.20 early the next morning. North Sunderland, and returned to her The life-boat remained at Newlyn and station, arriving at 4.55. 124 THE LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961 MAN AND ROWING BOAT LANDED the Weather Adviser had launched two FROM STEAMER of her own boats and that the ferry Port St. Mary, Isle of Man. At 5.55 Glen Bauciox, a coaster, a cable ship on the evening of the 27th May, 1961, and the Royal Ulsterman were search- the coastguard informed the honorary ing. Two U.S.A.F. amphibious air- secretary that the steamer Clan Mclver craft from Prestwick joined in the search had picked up a rowing boat with one together with a helicopter from Leuchars. man on board and had asked if the Visibility became very poor, weather life-boat would take him ashore. A conditions worsened to gale force, and moderate northerly wind was blowing the aircraft and helicopter returned to with a slight sea and the tide was flood- their bases. The life-boat searched for ing. At 6.15 the life-boat R. A. Colby five hours but did not find the man, and Cubbin No. 2 put to sea. She met the returned to her station, arriving at 11.30. Clan Mclver about six miles south of Port St. Mary. The man was taken The Mumbles, Glamorganshire.—May aboard, and with the rowing boat in 7th. tow the life-boat returned to her station, Ramsgate, Kent.—May 10th. arriving at 8.30. Walton and Frinton, Essex.—May 10th. Selsey, Sussex.—May llth. The following life-boats went out on Humber, Yorkshire.—May 12th. service, but could find no ship in distress, Dungeness, Kent.—May 13th. were not needed or could do nothing: Cromer No. 1, Norfolk.—May 14th. Hastings, Sussex.—May 15th. Swanage, Dorset.—May 2nd. Galway Bay, Co. Galway.—May 16th. Lowestoft, Suffolk.—May 2nd. Kirkcudbright.—May 21st. Margate, Kent.—May 5th. Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.— Bembridge, Isle of Wight.—May 6th. May 22nd. Arklow, Co. Wicklow.—May 6th. Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—May 22nd. Broughton Ferry, Angus.—May 6th. Lowestoft, Suffolk.—May 23rd. Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—May 6th. Bembridge, Isle of Wight.—May 24th. Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.—May 25th. SEARCH FOR MAN LOST FROM Barra Island, Outer Hebrides.—May WEATHER SHIP 25th. Troon, Ayrshire. At 3.10 on the morn- Redcar, Yorkshire.—May 26th. ing of the 6th May, 1961, the meteoro- Selsey, Sussex.—May 26th. logical office at Prestwick airport in- Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—May formed the honorary secretary that 27th. the weather ship Weather Adviser, on Selsey, Sussex.—May 27th. passage to the Clyde, had reported a Newhaven, Sussex.—May 27th. man overboard between Holy Isle and Shoreham Harbour,Sussex.—May Cumbrae. The Kildonan coastguard 28th. was telephoned, but no further news Stronsay, Orkneys.—May 28th. could be obtained. A moderate south- Donaghadee, Co. Down.—May 28th. erly wind was blowing with a choppy sea, but the weather was deteriorating. The wind increased in force and the sea JUNE became very rough. At 3.50 the life- DURING June life-boats were launched boat Charlotte Elizabeth, on temporary on service 82 times and rescued 20 lives. duty at the station, put to sea on a flooding tide. Soon after the life-boat CATAMARAN TOWED TO HARBOUR had left for Holy Isle news was received Troon, Ayrshire. At 7.55 on the that the man had fallen overboard six evening of the 2nd June, 1961,during an miles south of Cumbrae light, and the exercise launch of the life-boat James coastguard redirected the life-boat. On and Barbara Ait ken it was noticed that reaching the position she found that a catamaran had lost its sails and was SEPTEMBER, 1961] THE LIFE-BOAT 125 in difficulties, with a crew of two, three- James and Ruby Jackson was launched. quarters of a mile north of Troon. At It was one hour after high water; there the time there were light westerly airs was a moderate west-south-westerly with a slight sea. It was two hours before wind and a slight sea. The life-boat low water. The life-boat towed the cata- reached the Skylark at 9.10 and towed maran into Troon harbour and returned her into Anstruther, returning to her to her station at 8.40. station at 10.35. Because of bad weather she was not rehoused until the following BODY LANDED AFTER CLIFF morning. ACCIDENT TWO DOCTORS TAKEN TO ISLAND Holyhead, Anglesey. At 10.30 on the morning of the 3rd June, 1961, the Troon, Ayrshire. At 11.50 on the coastguard informed the honorary sec- morning of the 4th June, 1961, a retary that a man had fallen down a cliff message was received from the resident at South Stack. There was a northerly doctor at Lamlash, Arran, asking if the breeze with a choppy sea. Ten minutes life-boat would take two doctors from later the life-boat St. Cybi (Civil Service Troon to Lamlash to perform an No. 9) was launched on an ebb tide with operation, as there were no sailings from the life-boat boarding boat in tow. On the mainland on a Sunday. There was a reaching the position the second cox- light westerly wind, and the sea was swain, the bowman and another mem- smooth. The tide was flooding. At 3.30 ber of the crew took the boarding boat in the afternoon the life-boat James and inshore. The body was seen to be some Barbara Aitken put to sea with two way up the cliff face and the three men doctors on board. She reached Lamlash climbed up with the life-boat's stretcher. at 5.17, and then made for Brodick to With the help of a coastguard who had await the doctors' return. At 8.20 that been lowered 260 feet down they evening the doctors were re-embarked, strapped the body into the stretcher and and the life-boat returned to Troon, transferred it to the life-boat, which arriving at 10.10. returned to her station, arriving at LIFE-BOAT AND HELICOPTER STAND 12.48. BY BOATS ANOTHER CLIFF ACCIDENT Shoreham Harbour, Sussex. At 5.46 on the evening of the 8th June, 1961, the Howth, Co. Dublin. At 5.5 on the coastguard informed the honorary sec- evening of the 3rd June, 1961, the retary that a small sailing boat had coxswain was informed that someone capsized a mile off Lancing, and that had fallen over the cliffs at the Nose of four people had been in the water for Howth. Ten minutes later the life-boat about twenty minutes. There was a R.P.L. put to sea with her boarding light west-south-westerly breeze with a boat in tow. There was a light south- slight sea and a flood tide. At 5.50 the westerly breeze with a smooth sea, and life-boat Rosa Woodd and Phyllis Lunn it was two hours after high water. When was launched. She found that the sailing the life-boat reached the position the boat was being towed by a rowing boat boarding boat was sent inshore and the and that the four people were safe. The body of a man was found. It was life-boat stood by with a helicopter transferred to the life-boat and landed until the boats reached the shore and at Howth at six o'clock. then returned to her station, arriving at 7.30. TOW FOR MOTOR BOAT WITH ENGINE FAILURE POLISH AND GERMAN VESSELS Anstruther, Fifeshire. At 7.44 on the IN COLLISION evening of the 3rd June, 1961, the Dover, Kent. At 12.32 early on the coastguard told the honorary secretary morning of the 9th June, 1961, the that a motor boat which had a crew of coastguard informed the honorary sec- three had broken down near the North retary that the Polish motor vessel Nowa Carr lightvessel, and at 8.5 the life-boat Huta and the German vessel Ingrid 126 THE LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961 Leonhardt had been in collision ten to the north-west, increasing in force, miles east-by-south of Dover east pier and was accompanied by heavy rain light. There was a light westerly wind squalls. About a dozen yachts had been with a slight sea and an ebb tide. At 1.5 caught in the sudden change of weather the life-boat Southern Africa was and all were trying to reach harbour on launched. She stood by the Nowa Huta an ebbing tide. Several capsized and the until the arrival of French tugs. The life- club's safety boat was missing. At 12.50 boat returned to her station at 7.30. the life-boat North Foreland (Civil Service No. 11) was launched. On TOW FOR A YACHT ON A LEE reaching a position between Margate SHORE and Westgate the coxswain sighted a Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Nor- pleasure boat giving help to one yacht. folk. At 11.43 on the night of the 10th The life-boat went to the help of other June, 1961, the coastguard informed the boats in difficulties and assisted the honorary secretary that a yacht without yacht Navette into Margate harbour, lights was drifting on the strong ebb returning to her station at 1.45. tide. There was a strong south-south- easterly wind with a moderate sea. Five YACHT TOWED TO HARBOUR minutes later the life-boat Louise IN ROUGH SEA Stephens was launched. She sighted the Selsey, Sussex. At 1.15 on the after- yacht Aline II near the power station noon of the llth June, 1961, the coast- outfall. The yacht had two people on guard told the honorary secretary that board and was in a very dangerous a yacht had been dismasted close to the position on a lee shore. She was com- Owers lightvessel. There was a fresh pletely out of control and would have south-westerly wind with a rough sea, gone ashore within a few minutes. The and the tide was ebbing. At 1.22 the life-boat towed her to Gorleston and life-boat Canadian Pacific was launched. returned to her station at 12.17 early on On reaching a position three miles west- the llth. south-west of the Owers lightvessel she TOW FOR FISHING BOAT WITH found the yacht Alcina, which had a ENGINE FAILURE crew of five, dismasted. The life-boat Barrow, Lancashire. At 1.15 on the towed the Alcina to Portsmouth and morning of the llth June, 1961, the returned to her station at 8.15 that coastguard told the honorary secretary evening. that a fishing boat with two men aboard OUTBOARD MOTOR BOAT TOWED was overdue and that anxiety was felt ASHORE for their safety. At two o'clock, when the life-boat Herbert Leigh was launched, Ramsgate, Kent. At 4.55 on the after- there was a slight north-north-easterly noon of the llth June, 1961, the coast- breeze with a calm sea and an ebbing guard informed the honorary secretary tide. Ten minutes later the fishing boat that a small boat with an outboard Miranda was found one mile south of motor had broken down near the Brake the life-boat station. Her engine had buoy. Her crew of three were trying to broken down. The life-boat towed row to the shore but were making no her to Barrow and returned to her headway. There was a moderate south- station at 3.30. westerly wind, a slight sea and an ebbing tide. The life-boat Michael and YACHTS OVERTAKEN BY BAD Lily Davis put to sea at 5.12 and found WEATHER that the boat belonged to the Royal Margate, Kent. At 12.36 on the after- Marines at Deal. She towed her to Deal noon of the llth June, 1961, the coast- and then returned to her station, guard informed the honorary secretary arriving at 7.19. that a yacht had capsized off Birching- ton and that a motor boat had gone to LIFE-BOAT STANDS BY GROUNDED her help. The Margate Yacht Club had YACHT been holding a race, but the moderate Barmouth, Merionethshire. At 3.45 south-westerly wind suddenly veered on the afternoon of the 12th June, 1961, SEPTEMBER, 1961] THE LIFE-BOAT 127 the coastguard informed the honorary water was deep enough in the harbour. secretary that a 35-feet yacht was A moderate south-easterly wind was aground a mile off Dyffryn on St. blowing. At 12.45 the life-boat Grace Patrick's Causeway. There was a north- Darling was launched on a flooding easterly wind and moderate sea with tide. The fishing boats were met a mile rain squalls and poor visibility. At 3.55 east of North Sunderland and escorted the life-boat The Chieftain was launched safely to harbour. The life-boat returned at low water. She found the yacht Silver to her station at 2.30. Minx of Pwllheli, and stood by until the yacht refloated. She then escorted FOUR SOLDIERS RESCUED FROM her to harbour. The life-boat returned CLIFFS to her station at 6.30 that evening. Dover, Kent. About one o'clock on the afternoon of the 16th June, 1961, FOOD GIVEN TO FISHERMEN AND news was received that four soldiers BOAT TAKEN IN TOW had been cut off by the tide near the Barrow, Lancashire. At 4.40 on the South Foreland lighthouse. There was afternoon of the 13th June, 1961, the a light south-westerly breeze with a coastguard informed the honorary sec- slight sea. At 1.14 the life-boat Southern retary that a half-decked fishing boat Africa, with a small boat in tow, put to had anchored near the Bar buoy and sea around high water. The small boat, that a man was waving a flag. There with the second coxswain of the life- was a light north-north-westerly wind boat in charge, went inshore and res- with a smooth sea and an ebb tide. At cued the four soldiers, who had found 4.55 the life-boat Herbert Leigh was refuge on the cliffs. They were taken to launched. She found the fishing boat the life-boat, which was lying off shore, Sheen with a crew of three near the Bar and landed at Dover harbour. The life- buoy with her engine broken down. boat returned to her station at 1.56. The men had tried to sail their boat, but had been unable to reach Barrow SICK CHILD TAKEN OFF GREEK against the wind. They had no food, so VESSEL the life-boat crew gave them soup, Penlee, Cornwall. At 2.45 on the cocoa and biscuits and towed their boat afternoon of the 16th June, 1961, a to Barrow, arriving at 7.10 that evening. message was received that there was a sick child aboard the Greek motor CANOEIST RESCUED AND CANOE vessel Doriefs, who ought to be brought SAVED ashore. The vessel was making for Walmer, Kent. At 6.17 on the evening Penzance. The weather was fine, there of the 13th June, 1961, the coastguard was a light south-westerly wind, and told the honorary secretary that a Royal the sea was smooth. At 4.30 the life- Marine conoeist had capsized off Deal. boat Solomon Browne was launched on There was a moderate north-north- a flooding tide. She made for Newlyn westerly wind with a choppy sea and an to embark the port medical officer, and ebb tide. Seven minutes later the life- after leaving Newlyn at 4.45 she met the boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service Doriefs three miles south of Penzance. No. 32) was launched. She found the A sick child was taken off and landed man near Deal Bank buoy, rescued him at Newlyn. The life-boat returned to and took his canoe to Walmer, arriving her station at 6.30. at 6.46. CONVERTED SHIP'S BOAT ESCORTED ESCORT FOR SIX FISHING BOATS TO DOCK North Sunderland, Northumberland. New Brighton, Cheshire. At 7.30 on On the morning of the 14th June, 1961, the evening of the 16th June, 1961, the there was a heavy swell, which was coastguard informed the honorary sec- growing steadily worse. Six local fishing retary that a boat was in difficulties boats were at sea, and it was decided near the Q16 buoy in the Queen's that the life-boat should be launched to Channel. A strong westerly wind was escort them safely in as soon as the blowing with a moderate sea. The 128 THE LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961 weather was squally. At 7.45 the life- the coastguard informed the honorary boat Norman B. Corlett put to sea secretary that an eleven-feet dinghy, around low water. On reaching the with a doctor and his son on board, was position the life-boat found the con- adrift about a mile and a half north-east verted ship's boat Shandra on the land of Rhos pier. There was a strong south- side of the revetment. Because of the westerly wind and a rough sea with an shallowness of the water the life-boat ebb tide. At 7.20 the life-boat Annie was unable to cross to her and had to Ronald and Isabella Forrest was make a long detour via Q6 buoy. When launched. She searched over a wide the life-boat reached the original position area in rapidly worsening weather con- again it was found that the Shandra, ditions. Visibility was poor and the with the turn of the tide, had managed wind at times reached gale force. A to cross the revetment. The life-boat message was received that a mine- then regained the main channel and sweeper had left Bangor to help in the eventually reached the Shandra and search, together with a coastal gunboat escorted her to the entrance of Wallasey from Holyhead. The search was carried outer dock. The life-boat returned to on until darkness fell, when visibility her station at 12.20 early the next was down to fifty yards. After con- morning. sultation with the coastguard it was decided to call off the search until day- ALL-NIGHT SEARCH FOR BOY light. The life-boat reached Llandudno IN BOAT Bay at 11.45 and resumed the search Skegness, Lincolnshire. At five o'clock at three o'clock in the morning. While on the afternoon of the 17th June, 1961, she was searching a message was the coastguard informed the honorary received that H.M.S. Belton had picked secretary that the 12-feetboat Bluebelle, up the dinghy and the two people on which was fitted with an outboard board. At 4.20 the life-boat went along- motor, had been last seen at two o'clock side H.M.S. Belton and took off the heading northwards and that she had two survivors. With the dinghy in tow enough fuel to last only an hour. There she returned to Rhos jetty, where the was a strong westerly wind with a rough two people were landed. The life-boat sea, and the tide was flooding. At 5.30 finally reached her station at 6.20. the life-boat The Cuttle put out. She TOW FOR YACHT WITH MAINSAIL was joined in the search until dusk by LOST a helicopter. After a fruitless search the life-boat returned to her station at five Dunbar, East Lothian. On the 18th o'clock in the morning. At 4.5 on the June, 1961, at 8.40 in the morning afternoon of the 18th June a further messages were received from the coast- message was received from the coast- guard that a yacht in the Forth needed guard that the motor boat, with a boy help but had been lost to view from the on board, had been picked up by the shore. Various messages were received, Swedish vessel Stallaria five miles but all were rather vague. At ten o'clock south-south-west of the Dowsing light- a small yacht was seen off the Bass vessel and that the boy appeared to Rock and the coastguards were asked have suffered no ill effects. At 4.50 the to keep a close watch. A strong westerly life-boat put out with a doctor on board. wind was blowing with a moderate sea. She met the Stallaria at the Inner It was squally, and the tide was ebbing. Dowsing lightvessel. The boy and his At 10.30 the life-boat Margaret put to boat were taken on board the life-boat sea. She found the yacht Maida about and brought to Skegness, where the three miles out to sea and four miles boy was met by his parents. The life- north of Dunbar. The Maida had lost boat returned to her station at 7.30. her mainsail and was having difficulty with her engine. The life-boat took the Maida, which had a crew of three, in DINGHY FOUND AFTER LONG SEARCH tow and brought her into the harbour. Llandudno, Caernarvonshire. At 6.50 She then returned to her station, on the evening of the 17th June, 1961, arriving at noon. SEPTEMBER, 1961] THE LIFE-BOAT 129 TOW FOR CONVERTED SHIP'S BOAT then returned to her station, arriving at Teesmouth, Yorkshire. At 11.20 on three o'clock. the morning of the 18th June, 1961, the coastguard informed the honorary sec- TOW FOR FISHING BOAT WITH retary that a flare had been seen off ENGINE BREAKDOWN Redcar. A fresh south-westerly wind Dungeness, Kent. At 2.20 on the was blowing with a moderate sea. At afternoon of the 18th June, 1961, the 12.5 the life-boat The Sarah Jane and coastguard informed the honorary sec- James Season was launched on an retary that a small fishing boat was in ebbing tide. On reaching the position difficulties a mile and a half north-east given the life-boat found the converted of the life-boat station. A moderate ship's boat Samartha with her engine south-west wind was blowing with a broken down. Just before the life-boat slight sea. It was high water. At 2.30 arrived a large coble had come close the life-boat Mabel E. Holland was alongside the Samartha, and her crew of launched. On reaching the position four had been able to jump on board given the life-boat found the small the coble. The life-boat put one of her fishing boat Little Dick of Dungeness crew on board the abandoned Samartha with her engine broken down. She took and towed her to Paddy's Hole, escort- the Little Dick, which had a crew of ing the coble at the same time. The life- two, in tow and brought her back to boat returned to her station at 2.15 shore. The life-boat then returned to her that afternoon. station, arriving at 3.15. THREE MEN RESCUED FROM YACHTS CAPSIZE DURING RACE ROWING BOAT Fleetvvood, Lancashire. At 11.30 on Cullercoats, Northumberland. At 1.47 the morning of the 18th June, 1961, the on the afternoon of the 24th June, 1961, life-boat was launched for her usual the coastguard informed the honorary exercise to coincide with the dinghy secretary that a small pulling boat was races organised by the Blackpool and in difficulties half-a-mile east of the Fleetwood Yacht Club, which were to south pier light. There was a moderate be held in the estuary. It was two hours westerly breeze. The weather was fine. after low water and a fresh to strong At 1.52 the life-boat Isaac and Mary north-west wind was blowing. Jt was Bo/ton was launched at high water. squally, and the sea was rough. One She found the boat and picked up three race was out to sea, and the life-boat men, who were exhausted. With the followed the race in order to be able to rowing boat in tow she then made for give immediate help to any casualties. the oil wharf, South Shields, where the A number of the yachts capsized, and three men were landed. The life-boat the life-boat was busily engaged in returned to her station at 3.31. towing capsized boats to the shore and picking up crews from the water. The WOMEN AND CHILDREN TAKEN OFF life-boat finally reached her station at ISRAELI SHIP three o'clock that afternoon. Angle, Pembrokeshire. At eight o'clock on the morning of the 25th TOW FOR YACHT IN GALE June, 1961, the coastguard informed the Dunbar, East Lothian. At 1.30 on the honorary secretary that a cargo ship afternoon of the 18th June, 1961, the was on fire five miles off St. Anne's Head. coastguard informed the honorary sec- The weather was foggy with a light retary that a yacht had been seen trying south-westerly wind and a heavy swell. to make harbour. A westerly gale was At 8.30 on the ebb tide the life-boat blowing with a rough sea. At 1.50 the John R. Webb, on temporary duty at life-boat Margaret put out at low water. the station, was launched. She found Four miles east of Dunbar she found the the cargo ship Etrog of Haifa in tow of yacht Askadel with her engine damaged. a tug and went alongside. The coxswain The life-boat towed the Askadel, which was asked to take off the women and had a crew of three, to harbour and children. Two men, three women, three 130 THE LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961 young children and a baby were trans- EXPECTANT MOTHERS TAKEN OFF ferred to the life-boat and landed at ISLAND Milford docks. The life-boat then Arranmore, Co. Donegal. At two turned to the Etrog and stood by until o'clock on the afternoon of the 28th four o'clock, when no further help was June, 1961, the honorary secretary needed. She reached her station at 5.30. received an urgent message from the The Etrog was finally beached in Dale doctor at Gaveedore that the resident Roads. nurse on Tory Island had fallen while TWO SEAMEN TAKEN OFF VESSELS trying to reach an expectant mother on Penlee, Cornwall. At three o'clock the island and had broken her arm. on the afternoon of the 25th June, 1961, The doctor wanted the nurse and the the honorary secretary received a patient to be transferred immediately by message that the life-boat would be life-boat to the mainland. There was a needed to meet the motor vessel La fresh south-westerly wind and a rough Colina of London off the Wolf Rock sea with a flood tide, and because of the lighthouse and take off a badly injured weather a local boat could not be used. seaman. There was a light north-westerly At 2.30 the life-boat W. M. Tilson put breeze with a smooth sea. It was low out. When she reached Tory the nurse water when the life-boat Solomon Browne and two expectant mothers were taken was launched at eleven o'clock at night to on board. They were brought to the embark a doctor and an ambulance crew mainland, and the life-boat then re- at Newlyn. The life-boat met the motor turned to her station, arriving at vessel at the point agreed, and the eleven o'clock. doctor went on board her. The seaman, CABIN CRUISER TOWED IN who had dislocated his shoulder, was then transferred to the life-boat. Mean- Aldeburgh, Suffolk. At 5.10 on the while a further message had been afternoon of the 28th June, 1961, the received from Land's End radio that the coastguard told the honorary secretary Swedish steamer Mergus was approach- that a small cabin cruiser appeared ing Wolf Rock, and that one of her to be in difficulty a mile east of Thorpe- crew suffering from a poisoned arm ness. A moderate south-westerly wind needed medical attention. After leaving was blowing with a slight sea. At 5.33 the La Colina the life-boat closed the the life-boat Alfred and Patience Gott- Mergus. Within half an hour the sick ] wald was launched at low water. On man was transferred, and the life-boat reaching the position given the life-boat made for Newlyn, where the two found the motor cabin cruiser De patients were landed and removed to Santelle with her engine broken down. hospital. The life-boat then returned to She took the cabin cruiser in tow and her station, arriving at 4.20. brought her to Aldeburgh, reaching her station at 11.30. SICK KEEPER LANDED FROM LIGHTHOUSE TWO LIFE-BOATS AND HELICOPTER North Sunderland, Northumberland. OUT TO FRENCH TRAWLER About 10.30 on the morning of the 28th Sennen Cove, Cornwall; and St. June, 1961, the local Trinity House Mary's, Scilly Islands. At 8.12 on the representative informed the life-boat evening of the 28th June, 1961, the motor mechanic that a man was coastguard informed the Sennen Cove seriously ill in the Longstone light- honorary secretary that the Southern house and needed to be brought ashore. Rescue Coordination Centre at Ply- A moderate westerly wind was blowing mouth had asked if the life-boat could with a slight sea. At 10.45 the life-boat put to sea to stand by while a helicopter Grace Darling was launched on a flew a doctor to a French trawler, which flooding tide. The life-boat reached the was east-south-east of the Scilly Isles lighthouse, safely embarked the sick and had a sick man aboard. The tide man and landed him at North Sunder- was ebbing, and there was a very light land harbour. The life-boat then re- south-westerly wind with a smooth sea. turned to her station, arriving at 12.30. At 8.28 the life-boat Susan Ashley was SEPTEMBER, 1961] THE LIFE-BOAT 131 launched. The helicopter met the traw- breeze and a slight sea. When the life- ler, and the sick man was taken off. boat Lady Jane and Martha Ryland, on When the helicopter was back over the temporary duty at the station, was land the life-boat returned to her launched at 7.22, it was low water. The station, arriving at 12.15, but because life-boat found the cabin cruiser of the tide she had to remain off shore Flamingo, with four people on board, for several hours before rehousing. aground. She was unable to come closer Meanwhile the St. Mary's life-boat had than twenty-five yards from the also been alerted and had been launched Flamingo and offered to fire a line at 8.29. She met the French trawler across her and stand by until the cabin about seven miles south of St. Mary's. cruiser refloated. All offers of help were The life-boat circled the trawler until refused, but the life-boat remained the sick man was hoisted into the standing by the Flamingo until she re- helicopter. This was done from a float floated and was able to proceed under on to which the doctor had been her own power. The life-boat then lowered. The life-boat then put the returned to her station with the doctor aboard the trawler. The heli- Flamingo following astern. On entering copter returned to Land's End with the Cambeltown Loch the life-boat returned sick man, and the doctor returned to to the Flamingo, which had stopped a Newlyn in the trawler. The St. Mary's mile off Davaar light, and again stood life-boat Guy and Clare Hunter reached by while a damaged fuel pipe was her station at 10.50. repaired. The life-boat then escorted the Flamingo into harbour and returned to MAN IN SKIFF RESCUED BY FRENCH her station at 11.40. CRABBER CABIN CRUISER TAKEN IN TOW St. Ives, Cornwall. At ten o'clock on the night of the 28th June, 1961, the Exmouth, Devon. At 8.15 on the coastguard informed the honorary sec- evening of the 30th June, 1961, the life- retary that the skiff Our John, with one boat George and Mary Strachan, while man on board, had been reported returning from Plymouth to her station drifting westward on the ebb tide. after survey, came up with the cabin There were light variable airs and a cruiser Gladina of Torquay two miles smooth sea. At 10.23 the life-boat south of Berry Head. There was a Edgar George Orlando and Eva Child moderate north-westerly wind and a put out. A French crabber weighed slight sea, and it was flood tide. As the anchor and followed astern of the life- Gladina's engines had broken down, boat, helping to search for the skiff. a tow rope was passed, and the life-boat When the life-boat was inshore of the towed her to within half a mile of crabber the skiff was seen in the light Torquay harbour. By this time those on of flares dropped from aircraft. The board the cabin cruiser had managed French crabber reached the skiff first, to start her engines. The tow was there- rescued the man on board and took the fore slipped, and the life-boat made for skiff in tow. The life-boat and the her station, arriving at 10.30. crabber then returned to St. Ives Bay, where the man was transferred to the The following life-boats went out on life-boat and landed. The life-boat service, but could find no ship in returned to her station at 12.30. distress, were not needed or could do nothing. LIFE-BOAT STANDS BY CABIN New Brighton, Cheshire.—June 1st. CRUISER TWICE Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Nor- Campbeltown, Argyllshire. At 6.35 folk.—June 1st. on the evening of the 29th June, 1961, Margate, Kent.—June 4th. the honorary secretary received a Walton and Frinton, Essex.—June 5th message that a boat appeared to be Bembridge, Isle of Wight.—June 7th. aground on Arranman's Barrel Reef. Swanage, Dorset.—June 7th. This was confirmed by the coastguard. Anstruther, Fifeshire.—June 8th. There was a gentle south-south-westerly Islay, Hebrides.—June 10th. 132 THE LIFE-BOAT [SEPTEMBER, 1961 Walton and Frinton, Essex.—June Margate, Kent.—June 25th. 10th. Weston - super - Mare, Somerset.— Portrush, Co. Antrim.—June 10th. June 26th. Holyhead, Anglesey.—June llth. Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—June 25th. Portrush, Co. Antrim.—June llth. Tenby, Pembrokeshire.—June 26th. St. David's, Pembrokeshire.—June Stronsay, Orkneys.—June 27th. 12th. Aith, Shetlands.—June 27th. St. Peter Port, Guernsey.—June 13th. Barrow, Lancashire.—June 29th. Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.—June Padstow No. 1, Cornwall.—June 30th. 14th. Hastings, Sussex.—June 14th. Lytham-St. Anne's, Lancashire.— An account of a service carried out June 14th. by the Selsey life-boat in March, 1961, Stornoway, Outer Hebrides.—June was received too late for inclusion in 14th. the June, 1961, number of the Life-boat: Swanage, Dorset.—June 15th. Newquay, Cardiganshire.—June 16th. Selsey, Sussex. At 4.8 on the after- Padstow No. 1, Cornwall.—June 16th. noon of 26th March, 1961, the coast- Anstruther, Fifeshire.—June 18th. guard informed the honorary secretary New Brighton, Cheshire.—June 17th. that four people were stranded on a Skegness, Lincolnshire.—June 17th. derelict Mulberry harbour about three- Salcombe, Devon.—June 17th. quarters of a mile off Pagham. At 4.14, The Mumbles, Glamorganshire.— when the life-boat Canadian Pacific June 21st. was launched, there was a moderate to Mallaig, Invernessshire.—June 21st. fresh west-south-westerly wind with a Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford.— moderate sea. The tide was two hours June 16th. flood. When the life-boat reached the Rhyl, Flintshire.—June 17th. position given at five o'clock four Walton and Frinton, Essex.—June members of a swimming club were 18th. found who strongly denied that they Seaham, Co. Durham.—June 18th. needed help. Nevertheless they were Troon, Ayrshire.—June 20th. taken aboard the life-boat and were Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Nor- landed at Pagham at 5.20. The life-boat folk.—June 22nd. then returned to her station, arriving at Stornoway, Hebrides—June 24th. six o'clock.

Notice

All contributions for the Institution should be sent either to the honorary

secretary of the local branch or guild, or to Stirling Whorlow Esq., the Secretary,

Royal National Life-boat Institution, 42 Grosvenor Gardens, London, S.W.\.

All enquiries about the work of the Institution or about this journal should

be addressed to the Secretary.

The next number o/THE LIFE-BOAT will be published in DECEMBER, 1961.