At 8 P.M. on the 21st November the steam drifter Bruces, of Peterhead, bound from Yarmouth to Peterhead, stranded owing to hazy weather on the Beacon Rocks between the old harbour and the South Outlet. In response to her signals of distress the Life-boat George Woofindin was sent out and went alongside the vessel. The crew refused to leave, but the Master re- quested the Coxswain to stand by his vessel until a tug came to his assistance.

The Life-boat did so accordingly, and remained in attendance until the vessel was towed into deep water. The Bruces was badly damaged, but the tug suc- ceeded in getting her safely into harbour..