August 30th 1992 -The pump barge 'Brabant' had been involved in beach replenishment work off Sandgate, nr Folkestone. Heavy seas driven by Force 10 south westerly winds caused 5 of the 6 mooring cables to part. This left the barge with 3 men aboard precariously held just 50 yards from shore by a single cable.

Dover Lifeboat 'Rotary Service' arrived on scene shortly before 1200hrs and assessed the situation. Communications with the Superintendent of the Company that owned the barge lead to the decision to evacuate one of the men from the 'Brabant'. The Coxswain, Tony Hawkins, skillfully avoiding the debris in the water, took the lifeboat between the barge and the shore to get alongside the barge. One man was rescued at the second attempt.

It was decided that both the remaining men should be rescued and again 'Rotary Service' was positioned to transfer them. During the rescues the barge and lifeboat rolled together, causing some damage to the lifeboat's guard rails.

By 1330hrs the rescued men were landed in Folkestone Harbour and 'Rotary Service' made her way back to Dover.

For his excellent boat handling and fine seamanship, Tony Hawkins received a 'Framed Letter of Thanks' signed by the Chairman of the RNLI.

The photographs below show 'Rotary Service' alongside the 'Brabant', at times almost disappearing from view in the 15ft high waves