August 18th 1921

Weather conditions slightly improved on the following morning when an early start was made. About 2-30am, all hands were called on deck as we had fouled a drift fisherman's nets with our gear. We were busy clearing the gear when three men in a boat came close under our stern, were invited on board but declined. They returned about 3-50am; weather by this time dense fog. On this occasion, they came on board, and the deputation announced that they were from the French Sailing Drifter "Sovenir de St. Marie" of Fecamp (F. 1993). It was claimed that seventy nets (each eighty fathoms) had been carried away. After towing the Frenchmen for some five hours without success and enquiring from a Dutch drifter, the search was abandoned. The two skippers then exchanged courtesies i.e. the Frenchman handing in a note claiming damages and our G. O. C. repudiating liability.

The weather began to clear so our search for cod was resumed. This time on a south-west course and moderate catches awarded our efforts. The trawl was hove in about 6-15pm, (this time badly torn) and as the weather looked threatening for fog; it was decided to pick up the land before nightfall.