The pilot was unable to increase speed or height on the port engine and ditched next to the ship. Both crew were rescued
That certainly seems to fit the circumstances I heard about - the location was always a bit vague - thank you David.
Does anyone remember the pilot?
It was John that recounted this story himself at the time - almost the last time I remember seeing him - and I remember he said he was out on the wing really quickly. When he got there though, his backseater was already on the other wing, complaining that he was wearing a new pair of shoes!
He also said he was doubly lucky to survive unscathed. The Gannet had a tendency to pitchpole if ditched, because of the radome. He said the only other pilot to survive ditching a Gannet at all, suffered serious spinal injuries because of the pressure of water entering the cockpit. Does that ring any bells?
Roger.