Whitstable, Kent. At 11.30 a.m. on 2oth February, 1966, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that a small speedboat had broken down and appeared to be in difficulties. A helicopter from Manston had been alerted and hovered over the casualty until she safely reached the shore. At 1.5 p.m. the honorary secretary was informed that the speedboat with one person on board was in difficulties again with engine failure and was drifting out to sea before the off-shore wind. At 1.10 the IRB launched in a strong south to south westerly breeze and choppy sea. The tide was ebbing. A helicopter from Manston also went to the speedboat's assistance. The IRB took the speedboat in tow while the helicopter stood by. The IRB returned to her station at 1.45 p.m..