At 6.15 p.m. on 3rd August, 1969, the assistant mechanic informed the honorary secretary that a small boat had broken down and was drifting towards the Binks about one mile east south east of Spurn lightvessel.

At 6.26 the life-boat City of Bradford HI slipped her moorings in a fresh south westerly wind with a rough sea. It was two and a half hours before low water. The life-boat came up with the motor boat Thunderbolt with four people on board. She was in a very dangerous position and was shipping water. A member of her crew was taken aboard the life-boat and the motor boat was taken in tow to the life-boat station. Later temporary repairs were effected and she made for Hull. The life-boat returned to her station at 7.10..