Seaham, Durham - At 7.33 p.m. on 22nd December, 1967, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that flares had been sighted south of Seaham. The life-boat Amelia, on temporary duty at the station, was launched at 7.38 in a strong south westerly breeze and a choppy sea.

The tide was ebbing. With the aid of the searchlight, and a further flare being fired, contact was made with the coble Boy Alan. Her engine had failed and there was a crew of two on board. The coble was taken in tow to Seaham and the life-boat returned to her station at 8.15..