About 7.30 P.M. on Sunday evening the 20th May, the Coxswain of the No. 1 Life-boat Kentwell was summoned from Divine Service to a vessel in distress at the back of the Gorton Sands. With all haste the crew were assembled, and the Life-boat left the harbour in tow of a tug. There was a strong N.E. gale blowing with a very heavy sea, and soon after starting the weather came on thick, necessitating a search for nearly an hour before the vessel could be located. She proved to be the cutter yacht Themis, of London, riding at anchor, her sails having been blown away and her gear and hull damaged.

The Life-boat was towed up to the yacht, and endeavours made to get alongside, but owing to the heavy sea running it was not until after the third attempt under canvas that the boat managed to reach the Themis. A rope was then thrown to her, but the crew were unable to hold it on account of the heaviness of the sea. However, after two more attempts, a rope was made fast and the boat got alongside.

Two men were placed on board, and the master having asked for the assistance of the tug, communication was effected by means of the Life-boat, consider- able difficulty being experienced owing to the wildness of the sea. Both vessel and Life-boat were then towed into safety, harbour being reached at 2.30 A.M..