CANOEISTS SAVED At about 12.5 p.m. on 26th March, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that some 24 boys in canoes were in difficulties about one mile offshore near Herne Bay Pier. At 12.10 the IRB launched in a strong south westerly breeze and corresponding sea. The tide was flooding. A helicopter was diverted from another call and picked up seven of the boys. The IRB took five boys on board but was unable to save their canoes which were later recovered by trawlers from Whitstable. The IRB returned to her station at 1.15 p.m..