Crashed Aircraft Crew Perish at Sea

Crashed Aircraft Crew Perish at Sea

Written by Angela Gooch on March 30th, 2008 in War and Military.

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TRAGIC EXPERIENCE FOR LIFEOATMEN ON THE EAST COAST
RED TAPE REGULATIONS WHICH HINDER A SPEEDY LAUNCH
AIRCRAFT CREW PERISH AFTER SHOUTS FOR HELP HAD BEEN HEARD

East Coast lifeboatmen had a tragic experience in the early hours of one morning during the weekend, when human lives were lost because red-tape regulations prevented the sounding of the maroons which enables the boat to be launched at peace-time speed.
In this case the delay possibly made all the difference between life and death.

Shouts for help were heard coming from the sea by a coastal lookout, who immediately sent word to the responsible lifeboat officials. Regulations have stopped the maroons, and the crew had to be summoned individually by messengers.

It may be suggested to the Government that electric alarm bells be connected to each man’s house, so that valuable minutes are saved.
The lifeboatmen, once they knew, carried out the launching with all possible speed, and indeed in some cases actually went aboard without overcoats.

VOICES HEARD FROM PIER
An aircraft had crashed within 200 yards of the Pier Head. The lifeboat-men had searchlights to assist in their search, and soon found one of the airmen afloat. As there was still warmth in the body he was carried ashore by lifeboatmen, who waded through cold sea water which at times swelled up to their armpits.

The airman was conveyed by ambulance to the Hospital, but unfortunately he did not respond to artificial respiration.
It was understood that the pier look-out man tried to direct the wrecked crew ashore by means of lights, but they were carried away by the strong current.
The airmen would be hampered with heavy equipment. Even in a bathing costume and summer-time conditions the flood tide currents are exceedingly difficult to swim against. On this occasion the sea water was at a very low temperature, and would soon produce a numbness of limbs.

Auxiliary Firemen who were stationed at the Piazza heard the aircraft overhead. When they heard the crash they did their best to get as near the sea as possible, and shouted seawards in the hope of giving the wrecked airmen the landward direction. It was regrettable that this alertness did not attain its meritorious object.