the fish- ing fleet of cobles were at sea on the morning of the 16th March a gale of wind suddenly sprang up from the north and backed into the north-east.

The boats at once made for the harbour, but some of them being to leeward, and having to sail across the Whitby Rock to get into safety, considerable anxiety was felt for the safety of their occupants.

At 10 A.M. the No. 2 Life-boat John Fielden proceeded to their assistance and stood by them until in safety. The rocket brigade were also in attendance ready to render assistance if necessary, and their lines were stretched across the harbour entrance in case of accident..