North Sunderland, Northumberland - At 8.42 p.m. on 1st September, 1969, the life-boat mechanic reported red flares in the direction of the Fame islands. The life-boat The Edward and Mary Lester was launched at 8.55. It was one and a half hours after high water. At 9.10 she came up with a dinghy. The dinghy's engine had struck a submerged object which had holed the boat. The crew of four were taken on board the life-boat and the dinghy was taken in tow to harbour. The life-boat returned to her station at 9.30..