On the morning of the 8th February, during a strong S.E. breeze and a heavy sea, signals of distress were shown by a steam-crane barge, employed in raising the sunken steamer Kibble, which was riding very heavily at anchor. At 6 o'clock the Life-boat Woherhampton put off, and was requested to remain by the barge as the master considered there was great danger of her parting her cable, and as she was not provided with steam-propelling power or sails, he feared she would be driven upon the rocks on the north side of the Mumbles Lighthouse.

The Life-boat, therefore, stood by the barge for two hours, during which time the seas continually swept over the vessel.

All danger, however, appearing by that time to be over, the Life-boat returned to her station..