On the loth October several Belgian fishing-boats were bound for Lowestoft with Belgian refugees on board, when two of the boats grounded on the Newcome Sands.

As the sea was rough, the Coxswain, John Swan, of the Life-boat Kentwell, considered it advisable to launch the boat and go to their assistance. The thirty-five refugees on board the two boats were all rescued and conveyed in safety ashore. The boats were subse- quently saved by a Lowestoft tug..