Vitte Zee

Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 16:37

1940 - The Vitte Zee, a Dutch ocean-going salvage tug, was driven ashore in hurricane force winds at Overton Mere.   “The coastguard station officer, H Dodd, at great risk to himself, swam 500 yards through the surf to take a lifeline to the ship.   PC Mabbett, although he could not swim, also jumped into the surf to rescue a drowning man.   As a result of their bravery no lives were lost.” [The Gower Coast, George Edmunds.]    Several awards were made by the Netherlands Governments:  the Silver Medal (equivalent of the British Albert Medal) to Mr Dodd, and the Bronze Cross to PC Mabbett and two of the auxiliary lifeguards, D Williams and T Harry.   The ship's wheel, given by the grateful crew after their rescue, can still be seen at the Ship Inn, Port Eynon. (Ref. 039)