On the 17th March, during an E. gale, a very heavy sea was running across the mouth of the harbour, and a number of the fishing-boats were lying off, waiting to get in when the tide flowed. As the sea was breaking heavily it was thought wise to have the Life-boat launched in readiness, in case any of the men should be washed off their crafts, or any of the boats should be driven past the entrance and behind the West Pier. The Life- boat James and Mary Walker was accordingly launched and pulled to the harbour entrance, where she remained until all the boats had got into safety..