On the even- ing of the 12th September fourteen of the fishing-boats belonging to Whitby went out to fish. Later the wind fresh- ened considerably from N.N.E. and bad weather followed, causing them to make for port again. About midnight, when four of the boats returned, the sea was growing fast, and the Coxswain con- sidered it would be prudent for the No. 2 Life-boat, John Fielden, to proceed to the help of the other incoming boats.

The boat was rowed out, and between midnight and 5 A.M. escorted nine craft into safety. Information was then received that the remaining boat had put into Staithes for safety, and the Life-boat returned to her moorings..