The steam-trawler Preston, of Pittinweem, bound for North Shields with fish, stranded about 1.20 A.M. on the 24th May, to the south-east of the coast- guard station. The Life-boat Meliscent was immediately launched in answer to her distress signals and proceeded to her. She stood by the trawler until 3 A.M., but the captain and crew declining to leave .their vessel, as they hoped to get her off during the day, the Life- boat returned ashore and was re- housed. At the time of the accident the night was very thick and dark, with a moderate sea and moderate N.E. wind.

The stranding was apparently due to the ship's compass being out of order..