Valentia, Co. Kerry - At 9.55 p.m. on 23rd October, 1969, Valentia radio station informed the honorary secretary that the trawler Ard Finbar had reported seeing red flares about twomiles north west of Bray head. The life-boat Rowland Watts slipped her moorings at 10.15. A further report was received by the life-boat from the trawler at 10.25 that she had seen more red flares to the south west of her. The coaster Niocalas Ann also reported flares and was steaming to give assistance. At 11.35 the lifeboat came alongside the m.f.v.

Granat, which had no radio in operation, three miles north of the Great Skelligs. She had a crew of five on board and her trawl had fouled her propeller. The life-boat took her in tow to Valentia, returning to her station at 3.30 a.m..