At 5 a.m. on zoth June, 1967, it was learned that a fishing vessel out of Rye was overdue. After further inquiries the life-boat Mabel E. Holland was launched at 5.30 in a gentle northerly breeze and a smooth sea. The tide was ebbing. The fishing vessel Sea Trader was found at anchor in Rye Bay with engine trouble.

The vessel had been disabled for 15 hours, and after the skipper had been given a hotdrink and some food the life-boat took the vessel in tow to Dungeness. As it was low water the life-boat had to stand off for two hours before the man could be landed. The life-boat was rehoused at 10.15..