SEVEN FISHING BOATS ESCORTED TO HARBOUR Whitby, Yorkshire. On the afternoon of the 9th November, 1962, anxiety was felt for the safety of local fishing boats which were still at sea, and at 1.20 it was decided to launch the life-boat. At 1.30 the Mary Ann Hepworth was launched in a strong north-easterly breeze and a rough sea. It was high water. The lifeboat stood by the harbour bar, on which there was a heavy swell, while seven fishing boats came in. The last boat arrived at 3.50, and the life-boat then returned to her station, arriving at four o'clock..