This Sunday morning onlookers in Ramsey Bay were unexpectedly treated to the spectacle of an RAF Sea King helicopter landing on the beach near to the south stone pier of the harbour entrance and Ramsey’s lifeboat tractor transferring the helicopter winch-man from Ramsey lifeboat to the helicopter. Ramsey’s RNLI Mersey class lifeboat, the Ann and James Ritchie and the Sea King helicopter from RAF Valley in Wales were participating in a joint training exercise in Ramsey Bay. A fault occurred with the helicopters winch and a member of the helicopter crew who had just been winched on board the lifeboat was left stranded. It was decided to abort the training exercise and as it was low water the lifeboat was unable enter the harbour. This left the problem of how to reunite the RAF winch-man with his colleagues on board the helicopter, so that the aircraft could return to RAF Valley for repairs and a speedy return to full service. The lifeboat tractor, which has the capability of being submersed, drove out to the lifeboat, picked up the waiting aircrew member and transferred him to the helicopter which was waiting on the beach. The aircraft then took off and returned to its base. Wayne Hargrave Lifeboat Training Co-ordinator for Ramsey lifeboat station and volunteer crew member later commented “Unfortunately through nobody’s fault, these things sometimes happen and the exercise will be re-scheduled. At some time in the future the lifeboat could have to evacuate a seriously injured casualty to a rescue helicopter and this type of training provides an excellent opportunity for crew members to practice precise boat handling techniques and to become familiar with working in co-ordination with their RAF colleagues. It is vital that both lifeboat and helicopter crews have knowledge and experience of the techniques used.” Regular training exercises with the lifeboat at sea allow Ramsey’s lifeboat crew to put into action some of the theory they have learnt in the classroom. Throughout the winter, in addition to taking part in routine training and regular exercises, five of the volunteer crew gave up their weekends to successfully complete the RYA Day skipper course. Three achieved a ‘highly commended’. Ramsey’s lifeboat, the RNLB Ann and James Ritchie arrived at Ramsey on 5th July 1991 and took up duties on 12th July 1991. She has been on station for twenty years. This year’s Ramsey lifeboat day is to be held on Saturday 2nd July, and the crew, in conjunction with Ramsey Ladies Lifeboat Guild, are currently organising a day that will suitably celebrate this significant anniversary for the town’s lifeboat. Ends