Martin Griffiths saved two men from drowning at Ship Harbour on 30 April 1979. The two latter had been rowing out to a mooring, and as they prepared to secure their boat it had capsized. They managed to stay afloat, but one man, unable to swim, had seized the other and pulled him under. Martin Griffiths saw them from shore and swam to them fully clothed through the icy sea. Reaching the non-swimmer, he was also drawn under but persisted and after a struggle gained control and brought him to shore. Meanwhile the other man had begun to flounder; Martin Griffiths at once swam to him and brought him to safety.