On the evening of the 31st December, 1931, prolonged blasts on a steamer's whistle were heard. There was fog and it was assumed that a vessel had run aground, either on the Smethwick Sands or under the South Cliffs. The No. 2 Pulling and Sailing Life-boat Matthew Middlewood was launched at 11.15 P.M.

A moderate S.W. breeze was blowing, with a heavy sea. The Life-boat searched the cliffs and sands for four hours, but without result. She returned to her Station at 3 A.M. next day.— Eewards, £36 8s. Qd..