At about 9 A.M. on the 6th March during a strong N.E. gale signals of distress were observed from the brigantine Walter J.

Cummins, of Irvine, which was at anchor about one-and-a-half miles to the north- east of the harbour. The crew of the Life-boat William Maynard were as- sembled with all haste and the boat proceeded to the brigantine. They found her in a very dangerous position in a heavy cross sea and promptly rescued the five men on board who were landed in safety at 11.45 A.M..