Baltimore, Co. Cork. At 1.35 on the afternoon of the 31st of January, 1961, the honorary secretary learnt that the Sherkin mail boat was in difficulties.

Her engine had failed, and she was drifting ashore. The life-boat Sarah Tilson was launched at 1.45 in a westerly wind of storm force and a very rough sea. She reached the mail boat at 1.55, and as she came alongside the mail boat's engine restarted. It was not working satisfactorily, however, and the life-boat escorted the mail boat to Sherkin. She then returned to her station, arriving at 2.40..