Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin - On 17th March, 1966, the life-boat Dunleary II was to undertake a special exercise in connection with the opening of the Irish Boat Show at which the Institution was represented. Before the life-boat left her moorings to cross Dublin Bay, the honorary secretary obtained a report from the meteorological office. This indicated the likelihood of strong squalls and, as the Dublin Bay canoe race was in progress at the mouth of the river Liffey, the life-boat moved off at 11.10 a.m. to meet the canoes and escort them across the bay.

There was a strong westerly breeze and a choppy sea. Half a mile east south east of Poolbeg a canoe signalled for help.

When the life-boat reached the canoe and her crew were being hauled aboard, a second canoe capsized, throwing the occupants into the water. These were also hauled aboard. The remainder of the canoeists were dispersed over a considerable area, and before the finish of the race, another four canoes and five occupants were rescued by the life-boat. She returned to her moorings after seeing the last remaining canoe safely into Dun Laoghaire Harbour, arriving at 1.30 p.m..