Combined Operation THE DEPUTY LAUNCHING AUTHORITY of Appledore, North Devon, was informed at 3.26 a.m., on Wednesday, September 19, 1973, that a yacht was in distress 28 miles to the west of the lifeboat station.

The weather conditions were severe in the area, with very high seas, squally rain and a strong north-westerly gale force wind, occasionally gusting up to 50 knots, as well as a flood tide. Jesse Lumb, on temporary duty at the station, was launched at 3.45 and the harbour bar was crossed without too much difficulty. The worst conditions were experienced in the Hartland Point area.

The casualty, reached at 7.31, was the 35' yacht Chong Peng from Littlehampton, bound from the south coast to Milford Haven. After requesting the MV Dublin, which was standing by Chong Peng, to fire a flare, a tow line was put aboard at 7.32. The tow started successfully but the line became detached at 8.20 and a member of Jesse Lumb'?, crew was put aboard to make it secure. Finding Chong Peng's two crew both sick and distressed, a helicopter was called to land them.

The tow was then resumed, but Chong Peng's engine was finally restarted and she was able to motor to Ilfracombe, under escort, arriving there at 1.50 p.m. The lifeboat remained in Ilfracombe until 5.35 to await a suitable flood for crossing the bar, and returned to her station at 8 p.m.

For this service the coxswain and crew were sent a letter of appreciation from the Director, Captain Nigel Dixon, RN..