The s.s. J. Duncan, of Cardiff, whilst bound from that port to Devonport with a cargo of coal, stranded on the rocks at Tol Pedn, Penwith, during a thick fog on the morning of the 14th August.

The casualty was reported at about 7 A.M. and without loss of time the Life-boat Ann Newbon proceeded to her assistance. The captain of the steamer refused any help from the Life-boat, but Coxswain Thomas Nicholas considered it inadvisable to leave her. The boat therefore stood by the vessel throughout the day until about 5.30 P.M., when the captain decided to abandon, her. Two of the men jumped into the Life-boat, and some of the crew's belongings were also put aboard; the remainder of the crew then took to the ship's boats, three in number, and the Life-boat towed them to Porthgwarra Cove, where they landed..