Hovercraft Incident 1972.

The 1972 Hovercraft (SRN 6) incident at Clarence Pier. On the right of the picture, just out of shot, is the Helicopter (possibly from RAF Thorney -Thorney Island) as they provided SAR services before HMS Daedalus took over in the mid-seventies. The craft would probably have been a ' Whirlwind', which operated prior to being replaced by the Wessex. George Watson (R.I.P), Topsy Turner (R.I.P) and Pete Soutar will probably confirm type as, I am sure you know, they were all stationed at Thorney with the 'Air Force Department Fire Service'.
In the photo are: Sub-Officer Lenny Bear (R.I.P) (Portsea Blood-tub), Charlie Deverill (R.I.P) (looking back towards the helicopter), Sub-Officer Pete Norman (R.I.P) who attended from Main Station (centre of picture behind patient in blanket) and the rest are police officers and patients.
Thanks to Ron Lilly for the photograph and information.