Whitby, Yorkshire. On the morning of the 29th December, 1961, the local fish- ing fleet were at sea in weather which was growing worse. A heavy ground swell was making the harbour bar very dangerous, and it was decided to launch the life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth at noon. There was a strong east-north- easterly wind and a moderate sea. The weather was overcast with snow showers.

The life-boat stood by the bar until eight motor fishing vessels had entered har- bour safely. She reached her station at three o'clock..