The grounding of the Streamer Hermiston

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The SS Hermiston, of Glasgow, whilst bound from Antwerp to Shields in ballast became stranded on at North Cheek at Robin Hood's Bay on the 19 May 1910.

There was a dense fog at the time, with a light breeze and moderate sea. A messenger reported the casualty at 7.20am and the Robin Hoods Bay Lifeboat RNLB Mary Ann Lockwood was promptly launched. Two women passengers were taken off and landed, the Lifeboat then returning to the steamer. The Lifeboat remained alongside until about 3.30pm whilst unsuccessful efforts were made to refloat the steamer.

As there was then no immediate danger the Robin Hoods Bay Lifeboat returned to her station. At 9pm the Lifeboat was again requested by the Hermiston Captain. Whilst enoute to the Hermiston, the Lifeboat found one of the ship's boats with four hands, which had been adrift all the previous night owing to the fog. The men were picked up and returned to the Hermiston. Soon after 4am. it was seen that the services of the Lifeboat would not be required; she therefore made for Robin Hood's Bay, arriving at 5am.

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The vessel was eventually refloated on the 8 June assisted by 4 tugs the event being watched by large crowds salvage from the cliffs top.