Padstow, Cornwall - At 3 p.m. on 21st August, 1968, it was learnt thatthe motor boat Spes with six people and a dog on board was overdue. She had last been sighted one and a half miles north east of Galland island.

The life-boat James and Catherine Macfarlane, which had been launched at 2.30 because it was the local life-boat day, slipped her moorings immediately. It was one and a half hours before high water. Having made an extensive search of the area without success, the life-boat returned to Padstow at 5.30. It was learnt that the Spes was still missing and a later report amended the position to the Newland island area. The life-boat put to sea for a second time at 6 o'clock and after an extensivesearch came up with the motor boat nine miles north of Sheppey point three hours later. The motor boat's engine had broken down. She was taken in tow to Padstow, and the lifeboat returned to her station at 10.15..