In the early hours of the morning, while making for her home port, the Wick fishing boat Northward, broke down in Sinclair Bay and drifted ashore off Ackergill. At daybreak, the stranded vessel was seen by the former Coxswain of the Ackergill Lifeboat, Alexander Flett and as the sea was calm at the time, it was decided that it was not necessary to call out the Wick Lifeboat. Instead, Mr. Flett put to sea in his own motor boat, accompanied by three men. Two of the Northward's crew  and all her valuable nets were brought ashore. Then, as the weather began to deteriorate, Mr. Flett put to sea again and rescued the remaining three members of the Northward's crew.