EIGHT ON BOARD Hartlepool, Co. Durham. At 8.10 p.m. on 25th July, 1964, the coastguard informed the coxswain that a small boat was reported to be in difficulties one mile east of the breakwater. Her crew were signalling for help. The tide had been ebbing for three hours while the sea was smooth and there was a light southwesterly breeze. At 8.20 the life-boat The Princess Royal (Civil Service No. 7) put out. The converted ship's life-boat Kathleen, which had eight people on board, was found drifting due to engine trouble.

A local fishing vessel, Three Lads, was taking her in tow to Hartlepool, and the life-boat accompanied both boats into harbour. The life-boat returned to her station at 9.40..