During a moderate southerly gale on the 25th April the chief officer of Coastguard reported that a vessel was in the West Bay dismasted and in need of help.

The crew of the No. 2 Life-boat Thomas Simcox were at once assembled and the Life-boat launched. On going alongside the vessel, which was the smack Alice, of Rye, the master stated that he wanted a tug, but asked the Life-boat to stand by him in case his cable should part.

The Life-boat therefore remained with the smack until 2 P.M., when a tug arrived; she then returned ashore. The sea was heavy at the time and the weather cold..