Longhope (The Orkneys).

At one in the morning on 5th January, the Aberdeen steam trawler, Braconmoor, outward bound for the fishing grounds, went ashore on TornessPoint, in the Orkneys, three and a half miles from Longhope. Her siren was heard and her flares were seen. A message was sent to the Coxswain at Longhope, and at two o'clock the Lifeboat was launched. A S.E. wind was blowing, and the night was very dark, with heavy rain. An hour later the Life-boat reached the wreck, which was still burning flares, and found her lying close to dangerous rocks, in very heavy surf, which from time to time completely smothered her. The Coxswain took the Life-boat into the surf as near as possible to the wreck, and anchored. He then veered down towards the wreck, but owing to the fierce tide which was running, the Life-boat was swept past. Twice more the Coxswain repeated the manoeuvre before he was able to get the Life-boat sufficiently near to use the line-throwing gun. A line was then fired across the bridge of the trawler, and a rope and life-buoy were passed to her. One by one the nine men on board were hauled through the surf, and all were brought safely to the Life-boat except the trawler's skipper. When he reached her he was dead. It was found afterwards that he suffered from a weak heart, and it is probable that he had died of the shock when he went into the surf. The Lifeboat reached Longhope again at 6.45, having been out on the service for just under five hours.

It was a rescue in very difficult circumstances, carried out with skill and gallantry, and the Institution awarded its Silver Medal to Coxswain John Swanson, and its Thanks on Vellum to each member of the Crew.

Additional monetary rewards were also made to the Coxswain and Crew, and a letter of thanks was sent to the Honorary Secretary, who went to the crags above the scene of the wreck, with powerful hand flash-lights, and did all that he could to ensure a successful service..