Six of the fishing cobles belong- ing to Berwick and Spittal went to sea on the morning of the 24th January, and when at their lines, were overtaken by a sudden gale from N.E. The Cox- swain launched the Life-boat Matthew Simpson, at the first sign of danger, obtaining a crew from amongst the helpers, as most of the regular crew were in the cobles. A tug was ob- tained to tow her out, as the wind and tide were against her and the need for the Life-boat was very great.

The gale increased very quickly, and the boats, which tried to get their lines ran serious risk by the delay. The cobles ran in one by one through an angry sea, followed by the Life-boat, until at 1 P.M. all the boats, by splendid manage- ment and skilful handling had reached harbour in safety. The tug also stood by, and to reach the last boat towed the Life-boat a mile out to sea. It was found that the coble had lost her mast; spare life-belts were lent to the men on board and, narrowly escaping being swamped, she succeeded in getting into harbour. Shortly after the Life-boat returned and was being hauled up, a steamer was observed standing into danger, and as it was feared that she would be lost, the Life-boat was again, launched. The steamer came too far in-shore before she decided not to take the harbour, and was in much danger of going on to the rocks when turning; she eventually succeeded however and the services of the Life-boat were not required..