Ballycotton, Co. Cork - At 9 a.m.

on 18th December, 1969, a radio distress signal was picked up by the life-boat mechanic that the motor fishing vessel Beal Abha was in difficulties nine miles south east of Ballycotton lighthouse. The life-boat Ethel Mary slipped her moorings at 9.15 in a fresh north westerly wind with a moderate sea. It was one hour after low water. The life-boat came up with the Beal Abha at 10.20.

There were three people on board. A fishing net had fouled her propeller.

The life-boat took her in tow to Youghal, and returned to her station at 4.30 p.m..