TOWED BY TUG Walmer, Kent. At 3.30 p.m. on 9th October, 1964, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that he was watching the German motor vessel Widder, as she appeared to be in difficulties in the rough sea near Goodwin Fork. A local fishing boat was also in trouble, trying to ride out the south-easterly gale. At 4.15 the life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No.

32} was launched. It was two hours after high water. The fishing boat was escorted to the harbour safely and then the lifeboat made for the Widder, a small German coaster laden with timber. She was being driven helplessly before the wind which was by now gusting to a strong gale. The life-boat reached her at the same time as the German tug Hermes. It was very difficult to get the Widder's anchor in and the life-boat stood by until she was taken in tow by the tug. The tug and her tow decided to ride out the storm in the Downs and the life-boat returned to her station 818.40..