At 12.22 a.m. on i6th July, 1966, a small fishing boat was seen drifting off No. 9 Sea Reach buoy. There was a fresh south-westerly breeze with a rough sea. It was one hour after high water. The lifeboat Greater London II (Civil Service No.

30} was launched at 1.48. After a short search with the aid of parachute flares the fishing boat was located. The life-boat went alongside and transferred the owner and two policemen to the boat, which was taken in tow to Southend. The life-boat arrived back at her station at 4 o'clock..