Early in the morning of the 9th January some of the cobles belonging to Cullercoats put to sea, for the pur- pose of fishing, in a S.E. breeze and heavy sea. Shortly afterwards the weather became very much worse and the sea dangerously rough. Two of the boats returned with all possible speed without shooting their lines; two other boats, however, remained at sea, and when they were running homeward for shelter were in considerable danger.

Great anxiety for their safety prevailed at Cullercoats, and at 7.30 A.M. the Life-boat Co-operator No. 1 was launched and stood by, ready to render assistance as they came in. One of the boats, named the Lydia and May, approached the harbour at about 9 A.M., and the Life-boat escorted her over the bar.

The other vessel, fearing that she would be unable to get into harbour at Cullercoats, made for the Tyne, where she eventually obtained shelter..