Why did Grace Darling become famous?

Grace Darling became famous because of her courageous participation in the rescue of survivors from the wrecked vessel Forfarshire^[1]. On September 6, 1838, in rough weather, the Forfarshire passed near the Farne Islands, where Grace and her family lived in a lighthouse^[1].

As the ship wrecked on the rocks, Grace begged her father to attempt a rescue; they rowed out and saved the survivors, an act that spread rapidly along the Northumbrian coast^[1]. News of her daring deed resulted in presents and letters, and the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland entertained her family^[1].