Clacton-on-Sea, Essex - At 5.57 a.m. on 23rd May, 1966, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a yacht was firing flares at Whittaker Beacon. The life-boat Isabella and Edward Irvin was launched at 6.22 in a strong westerly wind and a rough sea. It was two and a half hours before low water. She proceeded to the beacon, and on the way, received a message that a helicopter had rescued the crew of the yacht Valri.

When the life-boat reached the casualty two members of the life-boat crew were put aboard the yacht which had grounded.

Then the life-boat stood by until the water rose sufficiently to float the yacht.

She then towed her to Brightlingsea and moored there at i p.m. The life-boat was rehoused on the following day..