At 5.40 a.m. on 24th March, 1967, news was received that the trawler Lepanto of Grimsby was on fire about 18 miles east north east of Flamborough Head. There was a fresh west by northerly breeze with a moderate sea.

It was two hours after high water. The life-boat Friendly Forester launched at six o'clock and at 8.5 came up with the trawler. As the fire was getting worse the trawler headed for Bridlington Bay escorted by the life-boat. In the bay they were met by the Bridlington life-boat which had embarked firemen and their equipment. The firemen were transferred to the trawler. As the Bridlington lifeboat was standing by, the Flamborough life-boat returned to her station, arriving at noon..