On the morning of the 30th January the fishing fleet of about thirty boats went out of harbour between 5 and 7 o'clock. At that time the weather was fine and the sea was comparatively smooth. At about 9 o'clock the sea suddenly rose and within an hour became very heavy.

The Coxswain of the No. 1 Life-boat Sarah Jane Turner realised that the boats were in great danger, more par- ticularly the smaller class of boat, and that when crossing the bar the crews would be in great peril. The launch of the Life-boat was ordered and she pro- ceeded under sail to the endangered craft. She rescued the crew of two men of a small boat, named the Ruby, and then stood by the remainder of the fleet until all had crossed the bar and were in safety..