LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

Advanced search

Summary of the Meetings of the Committee

Thursday, 5th June, 1862. THOMAS CHAPMAN, Esq., F.R.S., V.P., in the Chair.

Read and approved the Minutes of the previous Meeting, and those of the Finance, Correspondence, and Wreck and Reward Sub-Committees.

Read letter from Capt. JENKINS, C.B., of Her Majesty's Indian Navy, late Chairman of the Aberdovey Branch of the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, of the 21st May, calling attention to the recent valuable services of the Aberdovey life-boat in saving the smack Merrion Lass, of Aberystwyth, and her crew of 3 men, and to the beneficial effect the services of the boat had had on the seafaring population of the locality.

Ordered a copy of Capt. JENKINS' letter to be sent to Lloyd's.

Read and approved the Inspector's Report of the 3rd inst., of his recent visits to some of the lifeboats of the Institution on the Irish and Welsh Coasts.

Read letter from the Deputy-Chairman of the Institution of the 31st May, forwarding a letter from WM. WILSON, Esq., of Mincing Lane, enclosing a draft for 3OOI,, being the amount of the contribution of Miss SARAH LECHMERE for the Withernsea life-boat and transporting carriage.— To be than/ted.

Also from Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for War of the 9th ult., stating, in reply to the application of the Institution, that he had ordered twelve carronades and carriages to be supplied to the Society for the purpose of collecting its life-boat crews at various stations.— To be thanked.

Also from R. TEMPEST, Jan., Esq., of Derby, of I the 28th May, forwarding '221. 12s. 2d., being the j amount of contributions collected by him in that town and its neighbourhood in aid of the funds of the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION.— To be j thanked.

Reported—That the late Dr. C. T. WEST, of Kingston-upon-Hull, had left a legacy of 1007. to the Hornsea Branch of the Institution, and that it had decided on transmitting the amount when received, to the Parent Institution.

Also that the late Mr. WM. LOFTON, of Salford, had left a legacy of 1001., free of duty, to this Society.

Also that Messrs. PEACOCK and BUCHAN had, in accordance with the instructions of the Committee, forwarded a supply of paint to all the lifeboats belonging to the Institution.—Ordered their account, amounting to 1437. 15s., to be paid.

Also that Admiral FiTzRoy, F.R.S., had presented, on behalf of the BOARD OP TRADE, to the Institution, one hundred copies of his Barometer Manual.— To be thanked.

Paid 5877. 3s. for sundry charges on various life-boat establishments.

Voted 47. 10s. to pay (he expenses of the Howth (Dublin Bay) life-boat in putting off and rendering assistance to the schooner Liberty, of Dublin, which was in a disabled condition and rapidly driving on a sand-bank, near Howth, on the 22nd January last, in a strong gale of wind.

Also 27. to the crew of a pilot-boat for saving 4 men who had been capsized from their boat, while entering Arklow River, during blowing weather, on the 5th May.

Also 21. 10s. to the crew of a fishing-boat for rescuing, at risk of life, the crew of a boat which had capsized off Findon, on the Coast of Aberdeen, in stormy weather, on the 19th April.

Also 71. to a boat's crew of 7 men for patting off in a fishing-coble and saving 3 men, whose boat had been capsized during a strong gale of wind off Johnshaven, Montrose, on the 11th April last.

Also 21. 10s. to the crew of a coast-guard galley for going off, in a strong breeze, and rescuing, at the risk of their lives, the master, his wife, and 2 men, from a boat belonging to the sloop Robert, of Barrow, which they had abandoned in a sinking condition off Douglas, Isle of Man, on the 16th Feb. last. When rescued, the boat was fast drifting towards some rocks, and her crew, when providentially saved, were in a most exhausted condition, having been 8 hours drifting about in the current.

Thursday, 3rd July. THOMAS CHAPMAN, Esq., F.R.S., V.P., in the Chair.

Read and approved the Minutes of the previous Meeting, and those of the Finance, Correspondence, and Wreck and Reward Sub-Committees.

It was moved, seconded, and carried unanimously :— That a model of the self-righting life-boat and of the transporting carriage of the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION be presented to Vice-Admiral ALGERNON, Duke of NORTHUMBERLAND, K.G., as a permanent memorial of the important services rendered to the cause of humanity by His Grace, to whose enlightened and liberal philanthropy is to be ascribed the origin of the self-righting life-boat now successfully used on the coasts of the United Kingdom, and on those of many other parts of the world.

Read letter from J. C. BROMEHEAD, Esq., of Cannon Street, of the 6th June, stating that Mrs.

ELLEN HOPE, as executrix of her late husband, the Rev. F. W. HOPE, had decided on presenting 3407. to the Institution to pay the cost of the Appledore new life-boat and transporting carriage, and their equipments.— To be thanked.

Also from G. S. SLATER, Esq., of Leith, of the 23rd June, forwarding a check for 1007. as a donation from " A Lady Friend in Leith," in aid of the funds of the Society.—To be thanked.

Also from Mr. JAMES DARLING, of Blyth, of the 18th June, forwarding 67. as an additional contribution to the Institution from the seamen belonging to the port of Blyth.— To be thanked.

Also from Mr. J. WILLIAMS, the Hon. Sec. of the Aberystwyth Branch, of the 9th June, stating that the new life-boat had been tried that day in a very high sea, the wind blowing hard. The behaviour of the boat had won the admiration of every one, had given her crew unbounded confidence in her, and a firm belief that she could be taken out in any sea.

Reported that the PENINSULAR and ORIENTAL STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY had given directions for the free conveyance to Hong Kong of a box for W. H. HARTON, Esq., a Member of the Committee of Management of this Society, which contained sundry papers relative to the operations of the Institution. He had kindly offered to bring its objects under the notice of some of the English residents in China.— To be thanked.

Read letter from Capt. TARLETON, R.N., C.B., the newly-appointed Deputy-Controller of the Coast-guard, of the 7th June, stating that it-would afford him great pleasure to render the Institution every assistance in his power.

Also from the Rev. J. R. NANKWILL, M.A., of Brixham, Devon, of the 10th June, conveying the thanks of the seamen and fishermen of that place for the Barometer presented to them by the Institution, and stating that the barometer had been fixed in a convenient and public situation.

Also from R. MOSELEY, Esq., the Manager of the EASTERN COUNTIES RAILWAY COMPANY, of the 7th June, acknowledging the receipt of the thanks of the Institution for the free conveyance of the Ipswich and Aldborough life-boats by the Company, and stating that they were pleased at the opportunity they had had of evincing in a small degree their unqualified approval of the numerous benefits which, through the instrumentality of the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, had been conferred on the world at large.

Also from the Inspector of Life-boats, of the 19th June, suggesting that a life-boat should be stationed at Tynemouth, Northumberland. P. J. MESSENT, Esq., Engineer of the new Pier Works at that port, had prepared a plan of a life-boat house, and Mr. LORTON, the Contractor for the Works, had undertaken to build the boat-house at prime cost.— To be thanked.

Decided—That the life-boat presented by G. J. FENWICK, Esq., of Seaton Burn, be stationed as early as possible at Tynemouth, and that the boathouse be proceeded with.

Decided also to form a life-boat station at New Brighton, near Liverpool, and that, in accordance with the request of the seamen of the place, the boat be of the tubular class, on the plan of Mr.

RICHARDSON.

Reported that information respecting the plan of the life-boat of the Institution had been afforded to Mr. VON SCHANTZ, of the Imperial Russian Nary, and to Mr. EILERT SUNDT, one of the Norway Royal Commissioners at the International Exhibition.

Also that, on the application of Admiral Sir GEORGE SARTORIUS, an additional 32-feet singlebanked life-boat had been ordered to be built for the Portuguese Government, making altogether six life-boats now being built by the Messrs. FORRESTT for that country.

Also that a satisfactory trial of the Dundee lifeboat had taken place on the 24th June, under the superintendence of the Inspector of Life-boats to the Institution. The Board of Trade Surveyor- General and several other gentlemen were also present on the occasion.

Ordered life-boat houses to be built at Braunton, North Devon; Withernsea, near Hull and Tenby, South Wales.

Paid 277/. 16s. for sundry charges on various life-boat establishments.

Voted 61. to pay the expenses of the Institution's life-boat stationed at Polkerris, near Fowey, Cornwall, in going off and saving, during a heavy gale of wind, and under very adverse circumstances, the Danish schooner Sylphiden, of Nakskov, and her crew of 7 men. Much of the success of this valuable service was owing to the highly-meritorious conduct and seamanship of Mr. G. A. STARR, Chief Officer of the Coast-guard, to whom the Institution presented its thanks inscribed on vellum. The captain of the vessel voluntarily presented 20/. to the life-boat's crew for their laudable services on the occasion, Mr. STABB I himself generously foregoing all claim of salvage WILLIAM RASHLEIGH, Esq., and the Hon. Mrs. RASHLEIGH, of Menabilly, Cornwall, had contributed HO/, in aid of the cost of this life-boat.

Reported the services of the Whitburn life-boat in going off and rescuing from destruction, in a heavy surf, 4 fishing cobles and their crews, consisting of 12 men. The life-boat's crew made no charge for thus saving their fellow fishermen from a watery grave. This boat is called the Thomas Wilson, after the principal founder of the Lifeboat Institution.

Also the Silver Medal of the Institution to JAMES GOUGH, fisherman, and JOHN DONOVAN, chief boatman of the Coast-guard, with 21. to the latter, in testimony of their daring conduct in swimming off through a heavy surf, and, at great risk of life, assisting to rescue 24 men belonging ;o the ship Queen of Commerce, of Liverpool, which was some time since wrecked near Tramore Bay.

.t appeared that the ship had struck on a rock about 50 yards from the cliff, which being observed from the shore by GOUGH, he, closely followed by DONOVAN, swam out to the rock, over which the sea was furiously breaking. They got hold of a life-buoy, which had been thrown from the ship with a line fastened to it, by which means they succeeded in taking a hawser from the vessel to the shore. By this time they had received plenty of help from persons on the beach, and thus the whole of the vessel's crew of 23 men and a pilot fortunately reached the shore in safety. GOUGH and some fishermen had also received 39/. from the shipowners ; and the Institution voted 31. to 6 Coast-guard men who had laudably exerted themselves in saving life on the occasion.

Also 21. to an Irish fisherman, named PETER CONNOR, for his daring conduct in rushing into the surf and rescuing, at much risk of life, the master of the schooner Fairy, which, during a gale of wind on the 11th ult., had foundered near the Tuskar Light. The crew had taken to the vessel's boat, which, on their attempting to reach the shore, was overwhelmed in the surf. 2 of the crew managed to reach the shore, and the master, who had apparently been stunned, was rescued through the intrepidity of CONDOR ; but the fourth man, unhappily, perished before help could reach him.

Also 1I I . 4s. to pay the expenses of the Howth (Dublin Bay), Padstow, and Eastbourne lifeboats, in putting off, with the view of rendering assistance to vessels in distress, but which on the arrival of the boats had got out of danger, and consequently did not require their services.

Thursday, 31st July. Captain Sir EDWARD PERROTT, Bart., V.P., in the Chair.

Read and approved the Minutes of the previous Meeting, and those of the Finance, Correspondence, and Wreck and Reward Sub-Committees.

Read letters from T. J. AGAR ROBARTES, Esq., M.P., stating that he was prepared to give 150/.

towards the cost of a life-boat for Porthleven, in Mount's Bay, Cornwall.— To be thanked.

Also from Inspecting Commander C. J. ADSTEN, R.N., of the Penzance Coast-guard • Division, of the 3rd July, promising his cordial co-operation to the undertaking, and stating that he would act as the hon. secretary of the station.— To be thanked.

Decided that a life-boat establishment be formed at Porthleven.

Read letter from WILLIAM WORSHIP, Esq., solicitor, of Great Yarmouth, of the 30th July, stating that the late Miss ALICE GEDOE had left the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION a legacy of 1001. free of duty.— To be acknowledged.

Reported that Lord CALTHORPE had transmitted to the Institution 1001. towards the cost of the Blakeney life-boat house, Miss BRIGHTWELL, of Norwich, having previously given 1801. to pay for the boat.— To be thanked.

Also that G. H. K., a previous liberal contri- butor to the Institution, had called and left an additional donation of 1001. in aid of its funds.— To be thanked.

Also that A. B., of Blackheath, had forwarded the Society 2H., being part of a legacy left to him.

— To be thanked.

Also that E. HYATT, Esq., of Castle Donington, had transmitted SI. 12s. 6d., being the proceeds of a lecture and of some contributions collected by his son in aid of the funds of the Institution.— To be thanked.

Read letter from the Maritime Insurance Company of Finland, of the 27th June, transmitted through Messrs. REW, KINGTON, and Co., of "Old Broad Street, stating that the Company, whose head office is in Abo, had by a mere chance seen the annual statement of the Society for 1860, and had with feelings of gratitude become acquainted with the blessed results which had attended the efforts of the ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION. The Company being convinced that the Society had also been the means of saving many a Finnish life from a certain death, were desirous of contributing their mite for the support of the Institution, to show that Finland did not view without interest the blessings which foreign aid had afforded to their suffering countrymen, and they forwarded a draft for 50/.

— To be thanked.

Also from Admiral Sir ALEXANDER MILNE, K.CB., commander-in-chief of H.M. squadron on the North American and West India stations, of the 8th July, transmitting 107. as a donation to the Institution.— To be thanked.

Reported that the Kirkcudbright life-boat, transporting-carriage, and stores had been forwarded to their station and had safely arrived there on the 8th July, the Glasgow and South- Western Railway Company taking them free over their line from Carlisle.— To be thanked.

Read letter from SAMDEL CAVAN, Esq., the Honorary Secretary of the Kirkcudbright Branch, of the 19th July, stating that a very satisfactory demonstration had taken place on the occasion of the launch of the life-boat, Lord SELKIRK and the Inspector of life-boats of the Institution going off in the life-boat on the occasion. The boat was called the Helen Lees, after the name of a deceased sister of the donor (N. L.) of the boat.

Reported that two Portuguese life-boats had had a very satisfactory harbour-trial in the Regent's Canal Dock, Limehouse, on the 23rd July, in the presence of Admiral Sir GEORGE SARTORIUS, MONTAGUE GORE, Esq., and other gentlemen.

Read letter from W. M. FELLOWES, Esq, of Ormsby, of the 17th July, stating that whilst the Caistor life-boat was lying on the beach ready for service, she had her mast struck by lightning in a storm, and 4 persons who were taking shelter under the bow of the boat were injured on the occasion.

Ordered—A new mast to be supplied forthwith.

Also from W. K. VAIL, Esq., of Melbourne, Australia, dated in May, calling attention to his plan of wreck-escape, and stating that he wished to present to the Institution the model and photograph of the apparatus which were in the International Exhibition.— To be thanked.

Reported that a barometer had been transmitted to the Carmarthen Bay Branch of the Institution.

The Committee expressed their thanks, through His Grace the President, to T. B. CHANTER, Esq., on his resignation of the office of Honorary Secretary of the North Devon Branch of the Society, in acknowledgment of his long and valuable services, extending over thirty years, in that capacity.

Paid 1144A 2s. Wd. for sundry charges on various life-boat establishments.

Voted 12Z. to pay the expenses of the Penmon (Anglesey) life-boat for going off, in a strong gale of wind on the 24th inst., and bringing safely into port the smack Frodsham, of Liverpool, and her crew of 2 men.

Also 47. 12*. to pay the expenses of the Fleetwood life-boat in putting off, during a heavy gale of wind, and assisting, in conjunction with a steam-tug, to save the sloop William, of Liverpool, which was in a disabled state off Fleetwood on the 25th ult. The vessel's crew, 3 in number, and the master's wife and child, were in a very exhausted condition when rescued.

Also 61. 10s. to pay the expenses of the Southport life-boat in putting off, with the view of rescuing the crew of the brig Commodore, of South Shields, which, during blowing weather, was wrecked on the Horse Bank on the 19th ult.

The life-boat found that the crew had previously abandoned the wreck in their own boat, and had fortunately succeeded in reaching Lytham in safety. The master of the brig had been put on board a fishing-smack, from which he was brought on shore by the life-boat.

Also 71. 6s. to pay the expenses of the Arklow life-boat in going off, in reply to signals of distress, with the view of rendering assistance to a ship which had struck on Arklow Bank during blowing weather on the 17th July. When about half way to the bank the life-boat observed that the ship had succeeded, with the assistance of a steamtug, in getting out of danger.

Also 91. to a boat's crew in appreciation of their gallant conduct in putting off in a salmoncoble, during a gale of wind, and rescuing, at great risk of life, the crew of 4 men of the schooner Thankful, of Sunderland, which was totally wrecked close to Burghead, N.B., on the 19th July. Every moment the position of the ship was becoming more dangerous as the advancing tide drove her in among the small rocks to the back of the sea-wall, and no boat could live in the terrible surge that was now fast breaking-up the vessel. The crew, 4 in number, along with the pilot, took to the fore-rigging, and in a short time the beach was strewn with pieces of the wreck— the bulwarks nearly all destroyed—the boat washed overboard—and the deck broken up. Though only forty yards from the pier, not the least assistance could be rendered to the crew, whose | faces were quite distinguishable as they clung to j the swaying rigging. At twenty minutes past six ' the foremast creaked, and its living freight had j hardly time to crawl down to the only bulwark above water, for the schooner now lay on her beam-ends with a bilge towards the sea, when it fell by the board. In about five minutes more the maintopmast was snapped by the gale as if it had been a reed, while the bowsprit and other gear were carried away, leaving nothing but the gutted hull with the mainmast standing. Another hour of awful suspense passed, during which the 5 men lashed themselves to the bulwark, the sea every other minute breaking over their heads in huge masses. At half-past seven, one of the sailors, a young man, was washed from the wreck, but fortunately succeeded in catching the floating rigging, by which he was able to regain his former position. Another young heroic sailor seemed to be the life of the whole company in this trying emergency, and his efforts to keep up the spirits of his companions were signally successful. About eight o'clock the waves broke over the ship with renewed violence, but still those on the shore could return no answer in the affirmative to the piercing cry that came from the wreck, " Can't we get a boat ?" The voice was that of the gallant sailor already referred to; the others were too much exhausted to utter a word. McIntosh, the pilot from Burghead, expired from sheer cold and exhaustion. None who saw him perish can soon forget the fearful agony of his daughter as she bade her father farewell from the parapet of the breakwater. After renewed efforts a boat was got over the breakwater, and at great risk succeeded in saving the other men, who were in a very exhausted condition.