At 11.5 p.m. on 23rd August, 1967, the coastguard stated that the police had reported that four flares had been seen south of Black Rock, Brighton. The lifeboat Kathleen Mary was launched at 11.15 in a light variable wind and a smooth sea. The tide was flooding. The life-boat found the yacht Wimbrell with two people on board. They stated that they had not fired flares, but in view of bad weather conditions accepted a tow to Newhaven. After confirming with the police that there were no other boats in the area in difficulties, the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 2 o'clock on 24th August..