The No. 2 Life-boat Bessie Webster was launched at 10.30 A.M. on the 19th April to the assistance of eight Ferryden fishing-boats, each having a crew of four men on board, which had gone out fishing during fine weather earlier in the morning. A heavy sea suddenly coming on, the boats were compelled to haul in their, lines and make for the harbour.

As the tide rose the sea became rougher, and it was considered desirable that the Life-boat should proceed to the entrance of the harbour ready to assist the boats when they arrived. She was accordingly towed down by a steam-tug, then pulled out through the breakers, and attended each of the boats, following them closely astern until they had got safely in. Whilst the first boat was passing in, a heavy sea struck the Life-boat on the quarter; this broke the strength of the sea and saved the small fishing-boat from being swamped..