At 9.30 A.M. on the 24th December, a Coastguard reported that a vessel, with a signal of distress flying, was ashore on the Aberlady Sands. The Life-boat Norman Clark was launched without delay and proceeded to the vessel, which proved to be the schooner Bosendal, of Hull, bound to that port from Charles- town, with a cargo of road metal. A strong N.W. breeze was blowing with a rough sea. The Life-boat stood by the vessel, which was then in about five feet of water, and although there was every probability of the vessel becoming a total wreck it was seen that the crew would be able to get ashore at low tide without assistance.

The Life-boat, therefore, returned to her station, where she arrived at 3.30 in the afternoon..