At 9.19 p.m. on 22nd October, 1966, flashing signals, presumed to be SOS, appeared to be coming from a small boat near the Long Nose bouy. The life-boat North Foreland (Civil Service No. I/) was launched at 9.41. It was three hours after high water. She proceeded towards the position given, and found a small dinghy in a half submerged condition. The two men aboard her were rescued and given first aid as they were suffering from exposure.

After removing the outboard motor the boat was taken aboard the lifeboat, which landed both men and their boat at Margate harbour at 11 o'clock..