During a strong northerly gale, on the 18th January, three small open fishing- boats, belonging to Port Erin, put into Port St. Mary, and reported that two similar boats were attempting to follow.

Owing to the heavy sea and the in- creased strength of the gale, it was seen that they could not make the Harbour or effect a landing anywhere ; the Life- boat James Stevens No. 1 was therefore sent to their assistance. Within ten minutes of the signal being fired the Life-boat was afloat and on her way to the distressed boats. She came up with them in the Sound about three miles from Port St. Mary. They were in a perilous position, but as the Life- boat reached them there was a lull in the fury of the wind, and the fishermen decided to try and save their boats by grounding them in a creek in the Sound. This they did, the Life-boat in the meanwhile standing by them to render assistance if necessary; she then returned ashore..