[2] Since 1997, the station has operated a Trent-class All-weather lifeboat, 14-20 Roy Barker II (ON 1224).

Fishing boats, which had started out in calm weather on Fri 18 August, found themselves in huge seas and a full gale on the Saturday.

Having just cleared the harbour entrance, the John Avins was hit with a succession of large waves, and smashed against the North Quay wall.

Four crew that were washed overboard were recovered to the lifeboat, but the boat was then swept up the Quay and dashed on the rocks.

Fortunately all crew were brought ashore, but the boat was badly damaged and subsequently withdrawn from service.

[5] In 1913, the RNLI decided to close the station temporarily, whilst a new boathouse and roller-slipway was constructed at Salmon Rock to house a new motor lifeboat.