During a storm over the Christmas period, the lifeboat John & Violet Hurrell took on water and sank while on a river mooring. The Marina were quick to help lift the boat into the boatyard, but the engines were unsalvageable. These engines were no longer made, and the hull needed modifications to allow new modern engines to be fitted. The Service re-located temporarily to Hamble Point Marina while the site for the new Boathouse was prepared, and the new building constructed.