At 7.44 p.m. on 16th October, 1969, it was learnt that a stewardess on board a vessel in Bull anchorage required immediate medical attention for suspected appendicitis. The life-boat City of Bradford HI, with a doctor on board, was launched at 8.35. It was one hour before high water. About two miles south of Spurn lighthouse she came up with the ore carrier Switzerland of Panama and put the doctor on board at 8.50.

He diagnosed acute appendicitis and the patient together with the doctor was transferred to the life-boat at 9.5. The life-boat returned to her station at 9.28, and the patient was cared for at the coxswain superintendent's house pending the arrival of an ambulance to take her to hospital..