Sunderland VLB (or Roker VLB as it was) was formed in 1877. Throughout the years the team has been involved in the saving of over 800 life using the Breeches buoy. Perhaps the most memorable was the grounding of the Adelfotis II where the Brigade assisted in the rescue of 23 Greek seamen shipwrecked in a 50mph gale and heavy seas.

The 6,244-ton Lebanese cargo steamer Adelfotis II went aground at South Shields on January 20, 1963. She had left Middlesbrough in ballast for Antwerp, but was blown off course in the storm. Unable to steer back on course, the captain, Nicolas Leondaros decided to make for the safety of the Tyne, but as the vessel entered the harbour, and before tugs could take hold, she was caught in the seas and carried on to the Black Midden rocks. She then was swung across the harbour and ran aground broadside on the beach by the Groyne at South Shields.

Because of the severe weather conditions, it was impossible to refloat her, and later, as the tide rose, the steamer began to be pounded on the beach and took on a list. South Shields VLB was first to get a breeches buoy rigged to the ship, but because of the inexperience of the Greek crew in dealing with the rigging, their end of the tackle jammed.

Members of Sunderland VLB, however, fired a line over the ship shortly after dawn and a second breeches buoy was rigged from this. The crew began to abandon ship and all 23 were taken to safety within two hours. The second engineer John Politis carried his two month old pet puppy Manuela inside his jacket to safety.

It was one of the biggest rescues on the coast for many years. Commander C.A. de W Kitcat, District Inspector of Coastguards, congratulated the men in the two brigades on their efficiency, and the captain publicly thanked them.