At 10.52 p.m. on 25th March, 1967, news was received that the small power boat Tinkerbelle Peter had left Kew Bridge at 10.30 that morning bound for Wallersay Bay Marina and had not been seen since. At 5.12 a.m. on 26th March further information was received and the life-boat Cecil and Lilian Philpott, on temporary duty at the station, launched in a gale force south westerly wind and a rough sea. It was three hours after low water. A search was being carried out from Burnham-on-Crouch to Southendon- Sea. As a fishing boat had reported that she had seen the missing boat at 4.30 p.m. on 25th March to the east of Southend-on-Sea the life-boat searched in that direction. A helicopter took off at first light to help. When the life-boat was nearing the north east Maplin she was informed that a vessel resembling the missing boat was reported to be in the vicinity of the Tongue Towers, proceeding towards the south east Shingles. The life-boat went to the position indicated. When she was nearingthe North Knob, the helicopter told her that the vessel was secured to the South Buxey buoy. She found the boat, which had lost her propeller, and took off the three members of her crew. Two members of the life-boat crew were then put aboard the Tinkerbelle Peter and the lifeboat towed her to Wallersay Bay. When she was safely moored, the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at four o'clock..