Whitby, Yorkshire - At 8.50 a.m. on 24th May, 1966, the coxswain informed the honorary secretary that a heavy swell was building up on the bar and that at least one of the smaller cobles was at sea.

The life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth was launched 10 minutes later in a fresh east south easterly wind and a rough sea. It was an hour and a half after high water.

She stood by to await the coble William and Martha and escorted her into the harbour. She then stood by for the larger fleet of five motor fishing vessels which were due to return. Although one of these was swamped by two heavy seas, they all reached the harbour safely, escorted by the life-boat which then returned to her station, arriving at 3.55 p.m..