Newbiggin, Northumberland. At 12.37 on the afternoon of the 20th of June, 1959, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that a small boat was in distress off Spital Point. At 12.50 the life-boat Richard Ashley was launched in a slight sea, with a fresh easterly wind blowing and a flood tide.

The life-boat made for the position given and found the motor boat Joyce anchored near the Spital rocks with two men on board. The engine's starting handle had broken. The two men were taken on board the life-boat and their boat was taken in tow. The life-boat then returned to her station, arriving at 1.40. Rewards to the crew, £6 ; rewards to the helpers on shore, £6 12s..