LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

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Frier

About half-past three on the morning of the 2nd June, in thick weather, a fisherman reported that a three-masted vessel was anchored within about a quarter of a mile of the Wbitby Rock Buoy, close to the rocks, and in a very dangerous position. The Coxswain of the No. 2 Life-boat John Fielden at once assembled his crew, launched "the boat, and proceeded to the vessel, which proved to be the schooner Frier, of Poole, laden with a cargo of coal. As the captain could not get his vessel under way and into a position of safety without assistance, he requested the Life-boat to stand by him. After she had been in attendance for some time the fog lifted, when a steamer was seen approaching from the southward. The captain of the schooner then asked the Life-boat to proceed to the steamer and ascertain if they would be willing to tow the Frier into safety. This service the steamer undertook, and the Lifeboat carried a hawser to her. When this was accomplished, the Frier slipped her anchor and the services of the Lifeboat were apparently at an end; before they had proceeded far however the tow-rope parted and the John Fielden had to again give her assistance in restoring the communication. The second rope held, and the Life-boat, after seeing the schooner well out to sea in tow of the other vessel, returned to her station..