In the early hours of 30th May 1987 the Liberian registered tanker 'Skyron' was in collision with a Polish cargo ship 'MV Hel'. The tanker was carrying 130 000 tonnes of fuel oil. The collision happened in thick fog and visibility for the rescue operation was significantly reduced.

The lifeboat under the command of Acting Coxswain Roy Couzens arrived at the scene approximately 0625hrs. The first vessel they approached was the Polish 'Hel' which had sustained heavy damage to her upper superstructure and hull. She was losing fuel oil. A foreign naval vessel was standing by her and Ramsgate lifeboat had found one of the the vessel's lifeboats which with some of the crew aboard. Other members of the damaged ship's crew had been picked up by another ship the 'Catherine Shaffino'.

Acting Coxswain Couzens then proceeded to the 'Skyron'. It was apparent that she had extensive damage to the bow and some firemen were already aboard trying to contain a fire. The lifeboat crew carried out some fire fighting on the tanker's bow section where it was reported that smoke had been seen.

Dover Coastguard then requested that the lifeboat collect the Fire Brigade's Chief Officer, who was on board the 'Skyron' so that he could examine the tanker's hull. This was made more difficult because of the position of the ladder from the tanker and the heavy swell. During the manoeuvre 'Rotary Service's starboard searchlight was smashed. Once the Chief Fire Officer had inspected the hull, he was put back aboard the tanker to co-ordinate the firefighting.

Ramsgate lifeboat then arrived with the master of the 'Skyron' who was returned to his vessel. Also at this point a tug arrived from Ramsgate and commenced cooling the tanker's hull.

After a while the tug took the tanker in tow and both lifeboat's carried on with spraying down the bow section.

Dover lifeboat was then requested by Dover Coastguard to return to the 'Hel' as it was thought she would be putting into Dover. Two of the lifeboat crew were put aboard the cargo vessel and were expected to remain aboard her until she arrived in Dover. Very soon it became apparent that the vessel's master was indecisive as to which harbour he would be going to and the lifeboat was asked to remove thirteen of her crew to another Polish freighter, which was standing by about half a mile away. due to the heavy swell Acting Coxswain Couzens decided to use the 'Y' class inflatable lifeboat.

Once the thirteen members of crew taken off the 'Hel' had been transferred to the 'Starogard', the two lifeboat men were taken off the 'Hel'. The 'Hel' was then escorted by two salvage tugs to Flushing and the lifeboat stood down.

Following the incident a letter of thanks was received from the County Fire Officer for the valuable contribution the lifeboat crews made to what he described as a "total success".