The Girvan fish- ing fleet were out fishing early on the morning of the 28th February, when a gale sprang up from S.W., which veered to N.W. and increased in violence. All the boats reached harbour safely with the exception of four, and about 11 A.M.

one of them was seen returning. As the gale was still very strong and the sea very heavy, the crew were summoned and the Life-boat James Stevens No. 18 made ready for launching ; three of the boats however made the harbour safely.

About 4 P.M. the last of the boats, the Aliped, was seen approaching, and as both wind and sea were very bad, the Life-boat was launched and assisted her into safety..