At 11.10 p.m. on 30th April, 1967, the owner of the trawler Sunningdale of Grimsby informed the coxswain that the vessel had run short of fuel and required assistance. The vessel was at anchor eight miles south south east of Spurn lightvessel.

The life-boat City of Bradford III was launched at 11.20 in a strong west north westerly wind and a rough sea. It was one hour after high water. The lifeboat located the casualty at i o'clock and transferred a quantity of fuel to the trawler in difficult conditions. She thenescorted the trawler to Grimsby at the skipper's request, reaching port at 4.30.

Owing to unsuitable tidal conditions the life-boat remained at Grimsby until 8.45, returning to her station at 9.45..