Hastings, Sussex. At 2.4 on the morning of the 4th August, 1961, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a red flare had been seen about six miles east-north-east of the Fairlight look-out post. The life-boat M.T.C. was launched at 2.35 in a moderate sea. There was a strong westerly breeze and a flood tide.

The life-boat searched a wide area, using her searchlight, but she could find nothing, and later it was learnt that the casualty, the yacht Sungea Biru, had drifted ashore and that her crew of three were safe. On returning to her station the life-boat recovered a small fibre- glass dinghy from the entrance to Rye harbour. This was returned to its owner later the same day. The life-boat finally reached her station at 7.15..