Search for missing vessel locates wreck A total of 21 boats, including the Scarborough, Filey and Whitby lifeboats, took part in the search for the fishing vessel Sincere with two persons on board, when it failed to return to harbour on 28 October 1991.

Scarborough lifeboat with coxswain Stuart Ogden at the helm launched for the search area two miles NE of Scarborough Castle at 2020. A coble in the area reported that there had been no sign of the missing fishing vessel all day.

At 0200 on 29 October, Scarborough coastguard informed the lifeboat that boxes, possibly from the casualty, had been found one-and-a-half miles from Scarborough Rock. The lifeboat had completed a close inshore search of the area, to no avail, 40 minutes later.

Coxswain Ogden suggested that the most likely place for the vessel to have been fishing was over two local wrecks. Together with Filey lifeboat, the Scarborough crew searched the area, but again nothing was found.

At 0525, Scarborough lifeboat returned to harbour for refuelling.

There, the crew recruited local trawler skippers for the search, coxswain Ogden assuming the role of on-scene commander and allocating each vessel with a search area.

At 0826, part of the casualty's first aid kit was found, followed by a holdall containing items belonging to the missing boat's skipper, and a jacket.

At 0915, the coastguard reported wreckage found in Hayburn Wyk Bay, and one-and-a-half hours later, a Scarborough crew member sighted an oil slick. Its source was found by search craft Challenge and buoyed.

All craft, except the three lifeboats, were then released from search duty.

Filey and Whitby lifeboats conducted a search close inshore of the area and were released from duty at 1148.

Scarborough lifeboat returned to Scarborough to pick up police divers,returning to the position of the wreck with the diving team at 1225. The lifeboat was advised a navy ship was on its way. Its estimated time of arrival was 1500, but, unfortunately, no diving could be done that day because of fading light and adverse tide and sea conditions.

As the lifeboat could serve no further useful purpose, she returned to station and was ready for service again at 1620.

Sadly, it is not known what became of the two persons known to have been on board the casualty..