LIFEBOAT – The Redcar Lifeboats

Accreditation The Redcar and Saltburn-by-the-Sea Gazette 29/03/1878

THE REDCAR LIFEBOAT

     Yesterday, in consequence of the sea rising suddenly, one of the Redcar fishing cobles was unable to land. The coxswain of the “Burton-on-Trent” being on the alert, got out his boat but seeing the endangered coble reach Redcar pier head, where the cobles frequently lay to in safety until the tide ebbs, instead of launching went along the pier to ask the men in the coble whether the preferred riding out till low water, or be brought on shore; as they unhesitatingly declared their intention to remain, he put back his boat. Some adventurous spirits, however determined to have a lifeboat launched, although it was perfectly unnecessary, and the “United Free Gardener” was manned by a scratch crew and launched. Just as she was reaching the outside breakers, the boat was struck by a heavy sea, which caused her to run back and very nearly capsized her. The crew were drenched, and some of them hurt, the volume of water which struck the boat being very heavy. This was the only note worthy incident of the launch, for after cruising about a while they came on shore, the coble riding out till the ebb tide, when the men landed safely.