Fishing vessel sinking ORANGE SMOKE observed one mile east of Chapel Point and six miles north of the lifeboat station was reported to Skegness honorary secretary at 1557 on Tuesday, June 29.

In good visibility and with a light eastnorth- easterly breeze, a slight sea and the tide at two hours flood, the Skegness ILB launched at 1604. Thirty minutes later she came up with the casualty, the fishing vessel Dolphin of Kings Lynn.

Her engine had failed, she was taking water and sinking. The crew of the ILB boarded her and began baling but, realising they were fighting a losing battle, asked for further help. Lady Lynn from Chapel launched with pumps on board which were put into use until Skegness lifeboat, the 37' Oakley Charles Fred Grantham arrived and took up the tow. The crew of the ILB remained on board Dolphin and continued pumping and baling out throughout the passage. Dolphin's crew were exhausted having had little sleep the night before.

The ILB returned to her station and was re-housed at 2140 having seen Dolphin safely moored..