September 6th 2002. In rough seas with a South westerly Force 7 to 8 wind blowing, the motor cruiser 'Amerella' broke down. With three people on board she was drifting in the middle of the South west lane of the Channel separation scheme. 'City of London II' was launched at 2000hrs with Coxswain David Pascall and a crew of seven on board.

At 2037hrs, they reached the casualty vessel, where a Royal Navy minesweeper, HMS Ledbury, was standing by. Completely disabled with no power and no electronics the 'Amerella' was rolling heavily in a 3-4 metre swell. A tow line was passed and within six minutes the two vessels commenced slowly heading for Dover Harbour. During the tow to the Marina, the motor cruiser broached several times and nearly capsized twice.

At 2300hrs, the 'Amerella' was safely moored in the Marina and the lifeboat was able to return to her own berth.