Fishing party DUNGENESS LIFEBOAT, the 37ft 6in Rother Alice Upjohn, had launched on exercise on Thursday March 8 and was close to her station when, at 1700, two local fishermen on shore were seen waving. Second Coxswain Peter Thomas, in command in the absence of the coxswain who was on leave, took the boat close inshore and the fishermen told him that they had seen a red flare approximately south by east, distance unknown.

Dungeness Coastguard was informed and, at 1705, the lifeboat set out at full speed. It was a fine evening with very good visibility but a near gale, force 7, was blowing from the south west. The sea was moderate, the tide flooding.

Four crew members were sent forward to act as lookouts and after ten minutes a small fishing boat was seen flying a distress signal. The lifeboat was alongside at 1730. The five passengers were taken on board the lifeboat, leaving the owner of the fishing boat at his own helm, and the boat was towed back to Dungeness. Arriving off the beach at 1805, in smooth water in the lee of the shore, Crew Member M.

Isted was put on board the casualty to help in slipping the tow while the owner steered his boat ashore to his own winch.

Crew Member Isted was then picked up and the lifeboat returned to station where the five men were put ashore. A doctor was waiting to examine one of the fishing party who was not well ; he was, however, found fit enough to return to his home.

The lifeboat was rehoused and ready for service at 1850..