A telephone message was received on the 2nd May from Dungeness stating that a vessel off Dengemarsh was flying a signal, " Want immediate assistance." The crew and helpers of the Life-boat John William Dudley were assembled with all despatch, and the boat smartly launched, the helpers wading into the sea up to their necks in order to get her clear. The vessel proved to be the ship Derwent, of London, which in the strong south- westerly gale prevailing had broken adrift from the tug which had had her in tow. The Life-boat stood by her, and later, when the weather improved, she was again taken in tow by the steamer.

The Life-boat then started to return to Winchelsea, but on account of the heavy cross sea running had to make for Dungeness, where she remained, that night, returning to Wincholsea next morning..