On 28th August, which was Mechanic William F. Mann's last day with the Exmouth life-boat after 18 years, he was called out when the inshore inflatable craft Fundraiser, taking part in the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race, was not checked off at one of the check points in the race. The life-boat was told to search a line five miles off shore towards Portland Bill.

but Fundraiser, it turned out, was safe. Mr. Mann, incidentally, was previously a travelling mechanic for 11 years and reserve mechanic for nearly four years—well over 30 years' service all told with the R.N.L.I..