On the 12th December fourteen of the fishing cobles belonging to Newbiggin proceeded in the early morning to the fishing grounds. Shortly after 9.30 A.M.

a strong breeze from the west sprang up and increased to a strong gale. The cobles at once made for port, and about 11.30 A.M. it was seen that they were in great danger of being swamped. The Life-boat Ada Lewis was therefore launched and proceeded to the cobles.

She stood by them until they succeeded in getting into shelter, and her assistance was much appreciated by the various crews and also by their relatives, who realized the peril in which the men were placed..