Narrow Escape at Portlethen (1876)

The following article was found in the Aberdeen Journal of January 1876 and describes a narrow escape experienced by fishing boats from Portlethen, Findon and Downies during a winter storm: 

“On Tuesday last week, the boats belonging to Finnan, Portlethen, and Downies, went to sea, the weather being thick and hazy. They went a considerable distance off before shooting their lines. The day continued thick, and the wind increased so much that, by the time they were hauling in their lines, they began to fear that they were in a critical condition. Some got in all their lines, some left part of them; and by the time the boats reached the land, the wind and sea were so high that fears were entertained of entering their respective harbours in safety. 

About 2 pm, as the boats approached the land, the excitement in the villages became general, as it was seen the danger of landing was great. It soon became evident that most of the boats were to make for Portlethen harbour, and a general rush along the coast in that direction took place of old men, women, and boys, who’s sons, husbands and fathers, were in danger. From the high sea which was running, the approach to the harbour was extremely difficult, and at times very dangerous. But these hardy fishermen of the east coast showed their courage and fine boatmanship as they approached the rocky coast. Happily all the boats succeeded in entering the harbour, while some of the crowd cheered, and others wept. 

Fortunately all the boats escaped without damage, with the exception of one which the sea carried on to the opposite rocks at the entrance of the harbour. One man, who leapt on to the rocks, either to save himself or the boat, was carried by the receding wave into the sea, but he was rescued without being injured. The fishermen deserve great praise for the courage and great skill displayed on the occasion”.