Brave Coastguard.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2682, 11 December 1909, Page 3 (Supplement)

Brave Coastguard.

SWIM THROUGH THE SURF TO A

WRECKED SHIP-

HOW A CREW WAS SAVED

A feat performed by Coastguard Maurice Miller recently will long be remembered in the annals of „life--saving at Dover. A heavy gale liatL been blowing all day, arid shortly after seven o’clocktile firing of distress signals caused people to flock down -to the beach. The brigantine Osprey was ashore between Shakespeare Cliff and the Admiralty Pier. Heavy seas were continuously sweeping the vessel, and the coastguards made prompt efforts to set up communication between the stranded ship and the shore. Eventually a line was got aboard the wreck, and two of the crew, Richard O’Brien and T. Slattery, succeeded in making their way ashore, the coastguards linking up and forming a chain through the heavy surf to help the men along the. rope, hearty cheers being given as each rescue was made. Something apparently went wrong with the line,, and efforts with the rocket apparatus were unsuccessful in getting communication to work the breeches buoy, which had been brought on the scene. But there were still three men in the wreck, and their predicament was becoming serious. It was at this stage that the pluckiest action of the night took place. Coastguard Miller, a broad-shouldered seaman of the Lydden Spout station, volunteered to swim out through the heavy seas to the ship to get the rope aboard. Enthusiastic cheers greeted him as he waded into the surf and then struck out for the Osprey. His progress through the foaming seas was watched breathlessly by the large crowd gathered on the. shore, and when he reached the ship and started to climb her side the tension gave way to a perfect roar of .cheering. Y One after the other Seaman M. Timmons, Seaman J. Vigne, and lastly Captain Kerr were s afelyvgot ashore in the breeches buoy, and then their gallant rescuer was hauled' to safety. There was an immediate rush to congratulate him, and scores shook hands with him.- ~ The shipwrecked men were promptly taken to the Sailors’ Home, where they were provided with dry clothing ana hot food. The Osprey belonged to Waterford and was on a voyage from Cherbourg to London with a cargo of stone.