Hastings, Sussex. Thirty minutes after midnight on 8th September, 1965, a red flare was sighted two miles south of the Fairlight coastguard lookout. There was a strong south-westerly breeze with a moderate sea and an ebbing tide. The life-boat Fairlight went out seventeen minutes later and on reaching the position given found the yacht Bronwin in difficulties.

The yacht was taken in tow to the lee of Dungeness, but as the wind increased and backed to the south the coxswain decided to continue the tow to Dover. At Dover the life-boat crew had a meal before returning to their station, which was reached at 3.3 p.m..