Early in the morning of the 17th October, during a strong gale of wind from S.S.E., signals of distress were observed from this place.

The Sir George Bowles life-boat was at once launched, and found the lugger Favourite, of Peel (Isle of Man), stranded off Baldoyle. She was quite disabled, the heavy sea making a complete breach over her, and the crew were in a very exhausted state. The life-boat suc- ceeded in saving the crew of 7 men and a boy, and in bringing them safely ashore.

It was very dark, and but for the timely aid of the life-boat, the poor fellows must have perished.

The following letter was subsequently addressed by the master of the smack to the NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION, ex- pressing the gratitude of himself and crew for the valuable services of the life-boat:— " Howth Harbour, 20th October, 1866.

" GENTLEMEN, " Myself and crew, consisting of seven men and a boy, do sincerely thank Almighty God, and give heartfelt thanks to the coxswain and crew of your life-boat at Howth, for saving us from perish- ing on the morning of the 17th October. No one but those in such a perilous position would truly appreciate the value of a life-boat. We showed signals with our flambeau until it and ourselves were exhausted, and as a last resource we burnt our beds. The night was so dark and such a raging surf, nothing but broken water to be seen, we did not think it possible any boat could live, or be able to come near us, neither did we see the life-boat until she struct us on the lee bo«". After a desperate effort made by the crew of the life- boat, they at last succeeded in throwing a grap- line on board, the coxswain calling out to us not to jump until the boat rose on a sea. Great praise is due to the coxswain and crew of the life-boat, who, under God's providence, landed us in safety at half-past five in the morning. We received every kindness from the coastguard, who sup- plied us with dry clothing, &c.

" I am, fee.

" JOHN GILL, " Master of the fishing-lugger favourite, of Peel.

" To the Committee of the National Life-boat Institution.".