The lifeboat Mary Ann Hepworth launched to the aid of the HMS Gannet at 5am on 15 July 1970. The northerly gale had left the Gannet’s engine swamped, and her rudder jammed. However, when the lifeboat arrived, the two-man crew refused to abandon ship - they were afraid both of losing the boat and of making the hazardous transfer onto the lifeboat.

‍

Coxswain William Harland agreed to tow the boat, but 9-meter waves and high winds made it impossible to enter Whitby harbour. So, he decided to head along the coast to Scarborough.

‍

As the sea conditions got worse, the two men on the Gannet finally transferred to the safety of the lifeboat. This was fortunate because shortly afterwards the towline snapped, and the ship was set adrift. She was recovered later by the Scarborough lifeboat. For this most difficult rescue, the RNLI awarded a Bronze Medal to Coxswain William Harland.