About 5 A.M.

on the 20th April the coxswain of the Life-boat Charles Dibdin observed a vessel on the Goodwin Sands, and shortly afterwards the Gull Light-vessel commenced to signal for assistance to be sent. The crew of the Life-boat were promptly summoned and the boat launched. On reaching the vessel she was found to be the French fishing trawler, Jesu Maria Joseph, belonging to Boulogne. The master declined assistance, as he hoped she would float on the flowing tide. The Life-boat therefore stood by in case her services might be required, but the vessel came off the sands unaided about mid-day, and the Life-boat returned to her station.

The weather was fine, with a strong W.N.W. wind and rough sea..