At 12.30 a.m. on 6th October, 1966, the Dutch coaster Spray, of Joure, was reported aground on Newcombe sands, about four hundred yards from Lowestoft harbour entrance, and was signalling by light for life-boat assistance. The life-boat Frederick Edward Crick was launched ten minutes later in a fresh easterly wind and a choppysea. Itwas one hour after high water.

She proceeded to the casualty and found her to be hard aground. After about half an hour the Spray refloated under her own power and was escorted into Lowestoft harbour by the life-boat, which then returned to her station, arriving at 1.45..