Exmouth, Devon. At 7.55 on the even- ing of the 31 st of March, 1961, the coast- guard informed the honorary secretary that red flares had been seen south of Orcombe Point. At 8.20 the life-boat George and Sarah Strachan put out.

There was a moderate west-north-west- erly wind with a corresponding sea. It was one hour after high water. The local pilot cutter at this time was on her way to a tanker, and after putting the pilot on board she too went to investigate the flares. When the life-boat reached the scene she found the motor fishing boat Madam Moon being towed by the pilot cutter. She escorted both vessels to harbour and reached her station at 8.5..