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From The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald dated Friday 12th June, 1964
TUGMAN'S BRAVERY RECOGNISED
RESCUE OFF ARDROSSAN
A sequel to the recent tragic accident off Ardrossan Harbour, when the pilot boat sank and one man was drowned is the award of a life-saving medal to Mr James C. Wilson, mate of the Greenock tug "Strongbow."
Mr Wilson has been awarded LLoyds bronze medal for Saving Life at Sea for his rescue of Mr David Butcher, 17 Burns Terrace, Ardrossan, one of the crew of the pilot boat.
The official citation states : -
"Having assisted in the sailing of the Shell tanker "Hanetia" out of the port the master of the tug noticed the pilot boat sinking by the stern.
A man was observed in the water and the Master brought the tug round to windward to commence rescue operation.
About thirty yards to leeward of the man, the tug was stopped and Wilson donned a life jacket and, with a line round his waist, jumped into the sea and swam to the man in the water, who by this time was in an exhausted condition and had been holding on to a life-buoy.
When Wilson got hold of the man, David Butcher, he signalled to the tug crew to pull them both back alongside but, with the strong wind and heavy sea, Wilson and the rescued man got under the counter of the tug.
They were subsequently pulled alongside, however, and the second Engineer of the tug managed to get hold of the rescued man's arm while Wilson, using the lift of the waves, pushed him up by his legs.
In this manner the man was helped on board and Wilson was then assisted from the water." |
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