At 10.30 A.M. on the 23rd February a Coastguard reported that a vessel was dismasted about three miles east of Mevagissey, with a signal of distress hoisted in her rigging. A moderate S.E. gale was blowing at the time with a rough sea.

The assembly signal was fired for the crew of the Life-boat James Chisholm, and within ten minutes the boat was on her way to the distressed vessel. On reaching the vessel, which proved to be the schooner Winifred, of Inverness, with four men on board, it was found that her foremast had carried away and her steering gear was disabled, leaving her drifting helplessly on a lee shore. The master was very anxious for assistance to save his vessel if possible, and four of the Life-boatmen were placed on board.

They let go one of the anchors and stowed the mainsail, as it was feared that the mainmast might be also carried away, and later, when a tug arrived, they effected communication. The boat then remained astern of the steamer to assist in steering her, and she was eventually taken in safety to Fowey, where she arrived shortly after noon..