At 7.30 p.m. on igth August, 1967, the coxswain was informed that the fishing boat Splaugh Queen was flying distress signals half a mile south of Splaugh buoy.

The motor vessel Duke of Rothsay also reported seeing the distress signals and was standing by the Splaugh Queen. The life-boat Douglas Hyde slipped her moorings at 7.45 in a gentle north easterly breeze and a moderate sea.

The tide was flooding. The life-boat took the Splaugh Queen, which had engine trouble, in tow to Rosslare harbour.

There were thirteen people on board.

The life-boat returned to her station at 9.30..