Shortly after 10 A.M. on the 1st October it was reported that the fishing coble Unity, of North Shields, which had left the Tyne early in the morning for the purpose of fishing, was missing. A strong E.N.E. gale having sprung up and the sea become very turbulent, grave fears were entertained for the safety of the crew of three men. The motor Life-boat Henry Vernon was despatched to look for the craft, and sighted her about one mile from the river entrance.

They found the boat half full of water and practically in a sinking condition; the Life-boat rendered all the assistance possible and the men on board were enabled to bale the boat out. The Life- boat then accompanied the Unity into harbour. There is no doubt that if the Life-boat had not reached the Unity when she did the boat would have been swamped and all the men lost..