At 3.15 P.M. on the 10th October the Coastguard reported that a vessel was flying a distress signal about three miles N.W. of the Shingles Bank. As a moderate north-easterly gale was blow- ing, the Life-boat Robert Fleming was launched. She proceeded to the vessel, which proved to be the steamer Bertha James, of Southampton. The captain reported that his machinery had broken down and that he was in urgent need of a tug, being on a lee shore. He requested the Life-boat to help him by obtaining a tug as quickly as possible, and by standing by until the tug arrived.

She accordingly did so.

When returning ashore the Life-boat picked up a small boat belonging to the s.s. Bussell, a War Department vessel, which was ashore on the Shingles Bank but not in need of assistance. The ship's boat was returned to the authorities next day..