The Wreck of the Eva

20th September 1903

The ketch Eva of Lowestoft, a billyboy travelling from Yarmouth to Seaham in ballast, was anchored in the Bay in fog on the Saturday night. The wind rose to gale force and with rising seas she dragged her anchors and came ashore at Ness Point.

The lifesaving apperatus was taken on to Bay Ness, but after a rocket had been fired, it was found that the crew had left by boat and were over a mile out to sea. The Lifeboat was launched and brought the crew of three, the Captain, his son and his uncle, together with their dog to safety. This was the first time the new Lifeboat "Mary Ann Hepworth" would save lives. After the crew had taken to the boat the Sunderland steamer, Hedworth, offered to take them aboard, but they wished to stay and see what could be done. During Sunday a tug tried to refloat the Eva but the attempt was unsuccessful and she broke up on Sunday night.