Wreck of the Romulus

18th November 1893

"Owned by A&C Crundall of Dover with Captain William Stephen of Aberdeen, the Romulus was built ca 1853 and bound for Dover - Burntisland in ballast

20 miles S.E. of May Island off the Firth of Forth the Rolulus was caught in a hurricane. She ran before it with bare poles. A boy of 16 was washed over board near Hartlepool. Huntcliff was sighted at 3pm on Saturday and Whitby Rock Bouy was passed at 5pm. Attempts were made to raise sails but they were torn to shreds. A distress flare was sent up at 7.30pm as she rounded the North Cheek. She finally struck 300 yard from the shore.

The Lifeboat, Cox'n Matt Cooper, Assist Cox'n William Smith Storm and crew including three coastguards was launched down the way foot. With the heavy seas the Lifeboat was driven back on to the Lee Wicks and eventually back on to the beach. Working waist deep in water it was eventually refloated but with two extra in the crew as it was suddenly pulled out to sea.

An attempt was made with the rocket by Chief Coastguard Randall and company. Mrs Crosby of the Bay Hotel allowed it to be fired from the Hotel balcony. Contact was made at the first attempt.

The Lifeboat took off the crew of six and the vessel was eventually driven up to lie broad side on, only four yards from the Bay Hotel wall. Even the canary was saved."

This was the first rescue by the Lifeboat "Ephriam and Hanna Fox".