The fishing-boats put to sea in the early morning of the 21st April, but as there was a strong N.N.E. breeze and a heavy sea, the majority of them con- sidered it advisable to return, and did so. At about 10 A.M. two of the boats were observed off the harbour in diffi- culties, and the Life-boat Richard and Nellie Hodges was launched to help them.

The Life-boat met the cobles about half-a-mile outside the harbour and piloted them safely in through the broken water..