The steam trawler Morning Star towed the Scarborough Lifeboat out of the harbour on the 2 p.m. tide and they headed north for Whitby, which they reached at about 5 o’clock. Hopes rose again as the two boats rounded the Nab and went towards the Rohilla’s centre section. It was almost dark and the flares were sent up by the lifeboat crew which illuminated the whole area. Rescue seemed imminent. Then both turned away. It was too dangerous.

Word came through that the South Gare Lifeboat had set out, but the bottom of the boat sprung a leak, water seeped into the engine and they would have been wrecked themselves if a passing ship had not towed them into Redcar.

There was much jeering comment from the watching crowds.