Hartlepool's 44ft Waveney lifeboat The Scout launched on December 4, 1983, under the command of Coxswain Robert Maiden to go to the help of a fishing boat Sea Spell whose engine was giving trouble. There was a fresh to strong breeze blowing from the south west and the sea was choppy; it was about 2*/2 hours before high water. By the time the lifeboat returned to harbour she was towing Sea Spell, whose engine finally broke down, and two other fishing boats; Lucky Strike, which had also broken down, and Sea Cobra, which was unable to make headway; there were nine people on board the three boats.

photograph by courtesy of Mrs K. McNaughton.