On the 21st December this life-boat put off again, in reply to signals of distress from the brig John, of Hartlepool, which, during a strong wind from S.S.E. and in a heavy sea, had run ashore near Cape Kerr Point. On arriving alongside, the life-boat men hailed the vessel, but re- ceiving no answer, and observing that the long-boat had been hoisted out, they pulled out to sea in search of the shipwrecked crew.

No trace of them, however, could be found, and the life-boat returned to the shore. The boat again went out later in the evening, but in consequence of the very heavy sea then running, she was unable to reach the vessel, and consequently returned to the shore. Subsequently, however, a messen- ger arrived from Sunderland, saying that the crew had landed there in the ship's boat, having left the master on board the stranded vessel intoxicated. The life-boat again put off and, after some difficulty, saved the Captain, who was found asleep in. his cabin, with the water washing all round him..