A number of Spittal fishing cobles put to sea early on the morning of the 24th March, when a N.E. wind sprang up, with a very heavy sea run- ning on the bar. It was seen that the small craft would have great difficulty in reaching the harbour, and that the attempt to do so would be attended with considerable danger. The Life- boat crew were summoned and the Matthew Simpson put to sea to render assistance if necessary. As the cobles approached the bar the Life-boat got on the weather side and shielded them.

Whilst there the Life-boat was fre- quently struck by heavy waves, at times being quite buried, but both boat and crew behaved admirably, her manoeuvres being watched by a large crowd of spectators..