In the evening of 27 September 1951 the ELIZABETH RIPPON went out to investigate a flashing light among the rocks of the southeast corner of the island.
On the scene, the coxswain, Ted Larbalestier, could not see any light of a vessel for the large rocks.
Ashore, the Harbour Master stopped passing motorists, asking them to direct their headlights on the flashing light. So dark was the night, the crew could see only the shadowy forms of the rocks in the beam of the searchlight. Moving toward the spot indicated by the headlights, they made out the form of a yacht – then their searchlight failed. Suddenly they found themselves almost alongside the yacht SANTA MARIA.
The coxswain decided to tow the yacht out. A tricky job at best, it was only by the coxswain’s knowledge of the area and his superb seamanship that they reached harbour safely.
The coxswain was awarded a Silver Medal for this rescue.
Jersey 1906 12p sg337, scott333. (ELIZABETH RIPPON see index.)