Margate, Kent. At 5.55 on the even- ing of the 27th October, 1961, the coast-guard informed the honorary secretary that the master of the Tongue lightvessel had wirelessed that a sailing yacht with four people on board was secured astern of the lightvessel. Because of the south-westerly gale blowing and the very rough sea he was concerned for their safety. He sent a further message at 6.33 that the weather conditions were worsening, and the life-boat North Foreland (Civil Service No. 11) was launched at 6.48. It was two hours before low water. The life-boat reached the lightvessel at 7.55 but was unable to go alongside the sailing yacht Intrigue of London, as she was pitching and rolling heavily in the very rough sea.

The life-boat crew succeeded in con- necting a tow line, and the life-boat took the yacht in tow. At 11.15, when they were off Margate, the owner informed the coxswain that his yacht had a very long keel and could not take the ground. He then asked if he could be towed to Ramsgate harbour, as he did not want to anchor in the open sea. The life-boat crew gave the crew of the Intrigue some refreshments and dry clothing and the life-boat towed the yacht to Ramsgate. A strong tide was running across the harbour entrance, and there was a danger that the yacht might broach to. The life-boat and yacht entered the harbour safely at 5.10, and the life-boat finally reached her station arriving at 6.40..