Tynesider

22nd Febuary 1919

The "Tynesider" of Newcastle ran aground under Nance Cliff. Her cargo of grain was salvaged by cutting a hole in the side of the vessel.

From a news paper cutting:

"Gallant work by the Lifeboat crew on the night of Febuary 22nd was densley dark and very foggy, the sea was running strong, and the wind blew from the southeast. At 1:30am the Tynesider, a small screw steamer, with a crew of seven (and whose master, J.H.Leusk hailed from Shetland), bound for Newcastle with a cargo of wheat, came on to rocks not far from North Cheek.

Mr W.Smith, a member of the lifeboat crew, who was busy with his fishing lines, noticing something wrong, immediately informed Mr W. Storm, the coxswain of the lifeboat, who soon summoned the crew by firing the signal. The lifeboat was quickly ready, but, owing to the low state of the tide, and the darkness of the night, launching was a work of difficulty and danger, but eventually the lifeboat was floated and came within hailing distance of the ship.

The skipper decided to stand by his ship, and wished to remain on board till the tide came in. When the tide rose, it came with such force as to knock three blades off the propeller. This and the rough sea compelled the skipper to signal to be taken off as soon as possible. This was about five o'clock. All being safely taken on board the lifeboat, the Mary Ann Lockwood, they made their way for the shore, but were unable to land, and lay off about four more hours, and it was not till nine o'clock that the men were landed and taken to the Bay Hotel, where their needs were attended to.

The lifeboat was damaged in the bow, and one anchor was smashed; and the crew were drenched by the wild sea over and over again but the brave Coxwain, W.Storm, and his crew added another laurel in the wreath of honour of the Bay Lifeboat."