RNLB Mary Stanford - Other Rescues

Other Rescues

Mary Stanford had many other rescues to her credit. The years of the Emergency (as World War II was known) were difficult. There was a serious risk from drifting mines. On 27 January 1941 a mine exploded on the Ballycotton shore, demolishing the curate's house and smashing the windows in the church.

Rescues which merited medals were:

• On 30 January 1941, there was a strong wind, thick fog and drifting mines. The eight man crew of the SS Primrose of Liverpool were rescued just as she was sinking. Bronze medal awarded.
• On 23 December 1943, the Irish Ash was in difficulties. This rescue took 30 hours. They managed to bring the ship to safety in Cobh. One silver and two bronze medals were awarded.

Some rescues involved the Cliff Rescue Team. On 1 February 1947, the Irish Plane was driven onto rocks below cliffs, west of Ballyshane. The Mary Stanford was called out. Attempts to pull the Irish Plane off the rocks failed as she had been holed and started to breakup. As the lifeboat couldn't get close enough, because of the rocks, the crew of the Irish Plane were rescued by the Cliff Rescue Team.