A TOWN is in mourning after the sudden death of a "gentle giant" who was a well-known cliff rescue lifesaver and assistant pier master.

Michael Williamson was known to most in Swanage as "Spike" and served for 30 years with the Swanage Coastguard team.

His legendary strength was such that, if there was no winch equipment available, he could hoist people up during cliff rescues using his powerful arms.

Spike was enjoying an evening drink at the Conservative Club in the town when he collapsed and died. He was 51.

"A light has gone out in the town," said coastguard station officer Ian Brown. "It has come as a shock.

"Flags are flying at half-mast here and at the Lifeboat house and the Royal British Legion club.

"He was a gentle giant. He was there every time there was a rescue. He was the backbone of the team - Mr Reliable, the main man."

Mr Brown said Spike was the longest-serving member of the rescue team and was the winch man. On occasions when the winch could not be used Spike would use his formidable strength to hoist people to safety from the cliffs.

Always ready to help others, Spike was on call for the rescue team on the night he died.

He was single and lived in the town where he was assistant pier master - carrying out repairs, helping sailors mooring and locking up.

It is believed he served with the Merchant Navy in his earlier years. He was also a plumber with Purbeck District Council before taking up his post at the pier in 1996.

Earlier this year, Spike's elderly mother and stepfather both passed away.

Pier master Russ Johnson said: "He looked after the pier and did minor works and manned the gates and locked up. He is going to be missed by the boat people."

First published: October 13