At 5.35 p.m. on 4th September, 1966, a large vessel was reported aground on the Gunfleet Sands, but there was no immediate danger. The honorary secretary and the coxswain went to the coastguard lookout and saw the collier Corsea hard aground on the furthest end of the Gunfleet Sands. There was an adverse weather forecast anticipating gale force winds, so the life-boat Edian Courtauldleft her moorings at 6.31 in a strong south westerly wind and a rough sea. It was two hours after high water. On her way to the casualty, she called on the private radio ship Olga Patricia to tell them that they had dragged their anchor about one mile northwards. The life-boat then proceeded to the Corsea and the coxswain went aboard. When he returned, the life-boat stood by until the tugs, which had been summoned, had secured the towlines. When the tugs confirmed that they had the situation well in hand the Edian Courtauld returned to her station, arriving at 11.30..