Rocket Rescue 1963 Adelfotis II Tyne Tees TV

A dramatic Tyne Tees television programme about the 1963 breaches buoy rescue of a Greek crew from the stranded Lebanese freighter Adelfotis II.
The South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade (est. 1866) work tirelessly with the Coastguard and other services in truly horrendous winds to rescue Captain Nicholas Leondaras together with 22 members of his crew, and mascot puppy Manuella.
The Adelfotis II was having steering trouble when the master decided to seek refuge in the River Tyne. The first warning came at 04 05 am when a coast watcher telephoned the Hon Secretary who immediately called the Brigade. The maroons were fired at 04.14 am. The Brigade fired a rocket to the Aldelfotis II but the line was fouled on board ship. After dawn Sunderland Brigade fired a rocket and secured a line on board. The crew did not leave the ship immediately and offered no contact by radio.
The Adelfotis II was being pounded by heavy seas and was moving towards the Groyne all the time. . As each man was brought ashore, he was taken by ambulance to the Ingham Infirmary. After the ship was abandoned at 11.20 am, she was lying with a list to starboard her bows up against the rocks of the Groyne still with wind blowing very forcefully.

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Well done to all the rescue team. They are brave men to do that they all should have a medal.

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This Rocket Rescue had no RNLI personnel involved