Selsey, Sussex - At 11.50 p.m. on 6th July, 1969, it was learnt that two of the crew of four of the yacht Fair Mistress were very ill and that assist-ance was required. The life-boat Charles Henry was launched at 12.20 a.m. on 7th July in a north westerly gale with a very rough sea.

It was two hours after low water.

The life-boat came up with the yacht 13 miles south of the Nab Tower at 2.58. The ferry Viking II was standing by. The yacht was without lights and visibility was restricted by heavy rain. This made close contact with the yacht essential. While instructions were being given to her crew by loud hailer the yacht suddenly swung across the life-boat's bow causing her to go hard astern.

She touched the ferry causing some damage to bulwark and rails. At 3.15 the ferry got under way, and the lifeboat stood by with the intention of making a tow line fast at first light.

At 4.25 the yacht was taken in tow.

Owing to the heavy seas speed was limited to about three knots. The life-boat and her tow reached Portsmouth at 9.30 where two of the yacht's crew were taken to hospital.

She returned to her station at 1.25..