On the 7th March the s.s. Bengrove, of Liverpool, whilst outward bound from Barry Dock, was torpedoed, and very quickly foundered, about five miles to the north of Ilfracombe. Signals of distress were heard and the Life-boat Co-operator No. 2 was launched as quickly as possible.

Another steamer stood by the torpedoed vessel, and when the Life-boat arrived on the scene she had already taken the crew off the Bengrove. They were transferred to the Life-boat and very shortly afterwards the doomed vessel hove her bow up in the air and foundered.

The Life-boat at once returned to Ilfra- combe, and landed the crew, thirty-three in number..