SHIPS IN COLLISION Eastbourne, Sussex. At 1.5 a.m. on 15th July, 1965, a collision was reported to have occurred ten miles south-by-east of Beachy Head. One of the vessels was sinking. At 1.20 the life-boat Beryl Tollemache was launched in a light northerly breeze and a smooth sea.

Visibility was poor because of fog. Later the position of the casualty was given by the coastguards as ten and a half miles south-east of Beachy Head. The Greek steamer Nymfea had been in collision with the Liberian motor vessel Francesco, which was undamaged. The Nymfea was down by her stern. Several vessels proceeded to her assistance as well as the life-boat, which eventually landed 27 passengers and crew. The master and three of the crew remained on board to await a tug. The life-boat reached her station at 7.30 a.m..