In 1954, whilst still in the Mediterranean, "Saintes" came to the assistance of the merchant vessel , which had suffered an engine room explosion and fire whilst carrying troops and their families home from the Far East. "Saintes" took charge of the rescue operation and put fire and towing parties aboard and attempted to tow the ship to Gibraltar but "Empire Windrush" foundered whilst under tow. Apart from the four engine room staff killed in the original explosion all crew and passengers were rescued unharmed.