North Berwick Lifeboat Station

On the evening of Tuesday 25 October 1859, the schooner Bubona was heading to Aberdeen from Newcastle-upon-Tyne with a cargo of coal, when the wind changed direction. By 21:00, the wind was nearly hurricane force, and with her sails damaged, the boat made for shore, and ran aground off Canty Bay. Despite the Rocket Brigade getting a line to the vessel, the crew were in no fit state to take advantage. A large crown gathered onshore, but at around midnight, they witnessed the vessel break up, and all five crew perish. The wreck of the Bubona prompted calls for a lifeboat, from Rev. Stewart of Liberton, and coastguards Capt. Woodrow and Walter Malcolm. A local committee was established, and…