AT 4.30 in the afternoon of April 28th a steamer's whistle was heard at Newbiggin, blowing from a position north of Church Point. There was a dense fog.

A moderate breeze was blowing from E.S.E., but the sea was very heavy.

The Life-boat was launched and went out under oars towards the sound of the whistle. She found a steam-trawler, George R. Purdy, of North Shields, on the rocks, which extend out for half a mile from the shore. A very heavy surf was breaking over them. The Life-boat first tried to reach the trawler by anchoring to seaward of her and veering down, but twice she was struck by heavy seas which completely filled her and threatened to wash the crew out of her. The Coxswain then weighed anchor, went half a mile northwards, and, with the help of the drogue, took the Life-boat through a narrow passage in.