Plastic sheeting HM COASTGUARD informed the deputy launching authority of Dover lifeboat station at 0452 on Saturday October 17, 1981, that the Dutch yacht Midnight Marauder, being sailed singlehanded, was in difficulty with a fouled propeller and rudder about three miles east of East Goodwin Lightvessel, 17 miles north east of the station. The DLA agreed to launch and maroons were fired immediately. Meanwhile, another yacht. Westerly Star, on passage from Chatham to Calais with seven trainee yacht masters on board, had intercepted the original PAN message from Midnight Marauder and she headed for her.

Although not large enough to undertake the tow in the deteriorating weather.

Westerly Star stood by Midnight Marauder until the lifeboat arrived and had her in tow.

It was an overcast morning with a moderate to fresh breeze, force 4 to 5, blowing from the north east and a moderate sea, but gales were forecast.

Dover's 50ft Thames lifeboat Rotary Service slipped her moorings at 0505 under the command of Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic Anthony Hawkins and set out at full speed. She came up with Midnight Marauder at 0601 and was approaching the casualty when the drive belt on her hydraulic steering broke; while the emergency steering was rigged the lifeboat, steered by her engines, was brought alongside the casualty.

Midnight Marauder was found to have about 100 square feet of plastic tarpaulin round her screws. While manoeuvring to pass a tow rope aboard, the lifeboat picked up some of the plastic sheeting in her port propeller, which was then also fouled by the towing warp. The warp was cut, the port engine stopped and locked off. The warp waspassed again and made fast and the passage to Dover with Midnight Marauder in tow was made under one engine and with emergency steering.

Westerly Star, meanwhile, continued her passage to Calais.

On arrival at Dover, at 0850, the lifeboat's inflatable dinghy was put in the water as a diving tender while the propellers of both yacht and lifeboat were cleared. Work had also started on fitting a new belt for the hydraulic steering when, at 0908, the Coastguard called up the lifeboat on VHP requesting an immediate launch to go to the aid of two fishermen whose 14ft outboard dinghy had capsized off Shakespeare Cliff, two miles west of Dover, and who were in the water.

By now the north-easterly gale was gusting to near gale, force 7. The lifeboat set out immediately at best possible speed on one engine and using her emergency steering. The Port Signal Station was asked for help and a harbour patrol launch already at sea, manned by Harbour Patrol Officer A.

Carpenter and Crewman K. Heath, was diverted to the scene.

The two fishermen were close to the shore and within 20 feet of rocks. The swell was confused in the shallow water and surf was breaking. Nevertheless, with great skill, the launch was brought alongside one of the men in the water and he was helped aboard up the stern diving ladder.

Meanwhile, the lifeboat approached the other fisherman, who was in a collapsed state. Crew Member GarthJames entered the water with a lifeline and helped the man alongside the boat where he was recovered by the rest of the crew. Both survivors were landed in Dover and taken to hospital.

For the rescue of the two fishermen letters of appreciation signed by Rear Admiral W. J. Graham, director of the Institution, were sent to Coxswain/ Assistant Mechanic Anthony G. Hawkins and Crew Member Garth V. James of Dover lifeboat, and also to Harbour Patrol Officer A. Carpenter and Crewman K. Heath of Dover Harbour Board..