Bembridge, Isle of Wight. At 7.21 on the morning of the 13th July, 1961, the coastguard informed the honorary sec- retary that a small boat was in diffi- culties off Ryde pier. A moderate north- westerly wind was blowing and there was a rough sea. The tide had begun to flood. At 7.25 the life-boat Jesse Lumb was launched. After half an hour a message was received that the yacht had been reported making her way to Portsmouth. This information was passed to the life-boat and at the same time she was instructed to try to inter- cept the yacht. She did so and towed the yacht Esquirol II into Portsmouth harbour. The yacht had been taking part in a race from France to Cowes.

At 9.32 the life-boat reported that she was investigating the position of a small vessel off Hayling Island. On finding that this vessel did not need help, she returned to her station, arriving at 10.50..