Southend-on-Sea, Essex - At 6.54 p.m. on 9th March, 1967, a barge was reported in difficulties near the Black Tail Spit buoy. The life-boat Cecil amd Lillian Philpott, on temporary duty at the station, was launched at 7.21 in a storm force wind and a very rough sea. It was two hours after low water. She proceeded towards the position and was informed by the tug Kennet that she was near the barge Repertor and would secure a tow rope as soon as possible and make for Sheerness.

At 11.10 the tug reported that she had the barge in tow and did not require assistance.

As the weather was deteriorating the coxswain decided to escort both tug and barge into Sheerness. When they were safely in Sheerness the life-boat waited for the wind to ease and returned to her station at 7 a.m. on loth March, 1967.