Day of dedication NEWBIOGIN LIFEBOAT, the 37' Oakley Mary Joicey, launched on service twice on Sunday, August 1. At 1520 a service of dedication was in progress when members of the congregation noticed an inflatable dinghy being blown seawards by the fresh offshore breeze. It was low water, visibility was good and the sea choppy when, at 1530, Mary Joicey launched to go after the dinghy, which by this time was well out to sea.By 1535 the lifeboat was alongside the inflatable which, together with her two occupants, was taken on board.

Mary Joicey returned to her station with the two survivors and was rehoused at 1630.

Just over an hour later, at 1740, members of the crew sighted red flares some ten miles east south east of the lifeboat station. After consulting with the Coastguard, Mary Joicey launched again at 1745. The tide was now flooding, visibility was still good but the sea was rough and the offshore breeze had increased to strong, force 6.

At 1810 Mary Joicey came up with the cabin cruiser Aaron, with Royal Fleet Auxiliary Olwyn standing by.

Aaron, with five people on board, was on a fishing trip when her engines failed.

She was taken in tow to Blyth by Mary Joicey which, because of the heavy seas, was only able to make half speed. Blyth was reached at 2045, the survivors landed and Mary Joicey returned to her station and was rehoused at 2100..