In 1986 Richard Branson's "Virgin Challenger II" was attempting to break the transatlantic speed record set by in 1952. "Challenger" left New York Harbour on 26 June 1986 and refueled, as prearranged, at an oil rig on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. However, four tons of water also entered her tanks and soon, "Challenger" needed more fuel filters. Branson's London control centre requested help from the RAF but the Royal Navy did not have a ship in the area. "Aoife", 160 miles distant, was informed and an RAF Nimrod dropped a canister of filters to "Challenger". "Aoife" reached "Challenger" at 00:43 on 29 June. Her crew refueled "Challenger", which went on to complete the voyage, taking two hours and nine minutes off the previous record. Branson invited representatives of the ships company to the celebrations in London, saying "We could not have succeeded without their help".