The Barge Marybridge which was being towed by tug from Hull to Thornaby-on-Tees with a cargo of wheat was caught in a northerly storm made for Whitby. As the vessels got within the pier extensions the Marybridge struck the bottom owing to the low state of the tide and broke free from the tug which it self grounded on the harbour 'Bar' a few yards ahead.

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Both the Rowing Lifeboat RNLB William Riley and Motor Lifeboat RNLB Margaret Harker-Smith were launched, the Maybridge's crew of four being rescued by the RNLB William Riley whilst the RNLB Margaret Harker-Smith went to the aid of the Tug which had lost its rudder. The tug was safely brought into harbour but the Marybridge became a total loss.

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The RNLB Margaret Harker-Smith was then dispatched to escort three fishing boats in the Harbour in the worsening weather conditions.

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