Arun stands by cargo ship in 70 knot winds Newhaven's relief Arun Duke of Atholl was involved in a service to a large merchant vessel on 19 November 1996, just a week after the Number service above.

This time the casualty was a 9,000- tonner which had lost engine power seven miles off Beachy Head. Although she had two anchors down she was dragging steadily towards the coast in a SSE wind whichwasgustingto71 knots-hurricane force.

The lifeboat had been called out to stand by her at 1042, taking over an hour to reach the position at reduced speed because of the atrocious conditions and 25ft seas.

The vessel, Robin, had already dragged for some two miles by the time the lifeboat arrived, but eventually her anchors held.

The lifeboat stood by in the heavy seas and 70-knot winds while Robin's crew tried to re-start her engines. After three hours the engines started-but a hydraulic problem with the windlass delayed them for another two hours.It was not until almost 1800 that Robin was able to get under way, escorted by the lifeboat for an hour until all was confirmed well and the casualty could continue on her passage..