Brig "Anne" of London

4th February 1843

Sailing from Shields to London the collier brig was driven on to the coast by hurricane winds and snow showers. When she ran ashore at Bay the crew took to the rigging. Lieutenant Lingard went to the rescue with a crew of 15 Coast Guards and fishermen. After a terrific struggle the Lifeboat was manuvered along side the striken vessel and started to take off the crew. As she was leaving the wreck a huge sea capsized her. Four men were trapped under the boat and eleven managed to cling on to the ropes around her. They washed ashore where spectators saved them.

"Lieutenant Lingard and several others immediately rose and clung to the boat, while others attempted to gain the shore by swimming. Their cries could be plainly heard from the beach, but it was beyond all human power to render them assistance."

Lt Lingard, Edward Gillings, William Poad (Captain Poad, of the Ayton), Christopher Trueman and William Turner were drowned.

While this was going on the the old shore boat was brought out and manned with five men set out into the rough sea. It did not get far before been capsized, only three of the brave crew making it back to shore.

Michael Granger, John Trueman, William Allen survived, Robert Avery and William Turner (Again?) were drowned.

"Most of the sufferers have families residing in the town, and are highly respected, particularly Lieutenant Lingard, whose loss is greatly deplored. Up to the present hour, 8 o'clock Sunday morning , only one body has been washed ashore; it is that of a seaman, and is supposed to be one of the crew belonging to the wreck. The vessel lies high upon the shore, and is expected hourly to go to pieces." The Times

The Lifeboat was recovered almost intact, but as it had drowned men it was never again trusted and never used for many years. The men turned their attention to the Rocket Apperatus.