Anchor dragged A RADIO MESSAGE from the charter boat Aqua-Manda, that the ex-naval cutter Overdraft II had run out of fuel and dragged her anchor and was drifting with two people on board, was reported to the honorary secretary of Clactonon- Sea lifeboat station by HM Coastclguard at 1818 on Saturday, June 19. Aqua- Manda had earlier taken off one member of Overdraft IFs crew to obtain supplies but on her return found that Overdraft II had drifted a mile from her original position. Aqua-Manda could not get near her owing to a heavy swell.

At 1829, the 37' Oakley Calouste Gulbenkian, on temporary relief duty at Clacton, was launched. Visibility was fair, it was raining and the wind was from the south west gusting to gale force.

The sea was rough and there was an ebb tide.

Calouste Gulbenkian reached Overdraft II at 1922 and took her in tow to Brightlingsea where they arrived at 2035. Conditions were too bad for her to tow the casualty to Clacton.

Burnham-on-Crouch ILB had alsolaunched on service, and the Coastguard asked Calouste Gulbenkian to remain at Brightlingsea as she might be needed in support. She received the all clear from the Coastguard at 2126.

Calouste Gulbenkian left her moorings at Brightlingsea at 1008 on June 20 and arrived back at her station and was rehoused at 1130..