The schooner -B. B., of Bayonne, had anchored in Clo- velly Eoads on the 19th December, and it was ascertained that she was partially dis- abled from loss of sails, spars, and both boats. On the following morning, in a very severe gale from the W.S.W. and heavy sea, she was observed to be dragging her anchors, and going rapidly to leeward.

When it became evident that if she con- tinued to drag she must inevitably go on shore, and become a total wreck, the Life- boat Alexander and Matilda Boetefeur was launched, and, after four hours of most dangerous service, the crew of 7 men were taken off the schooner, and brought ashore.

The weather at the time this rescue was accomplished was described as being the worst experienced on this coast for many years; nevertheless the Life-boat men came forward with the utmost readiness; indeed there were sufficient volunteers to have manned two more such boats. The crew of the endangered vessel were very thankful to leave her, they having given themselves up for lost, as, independently of the risk their ship ran of being wrecked, they were in great danger of death from cold, and exhaustion, they being nearly helpless from those causes when they were landed. After they had been taken off, their vessel drifted along before the gale, but happily, when day broke the next morning, she was discovered riding in safety, although in dangerous proximity to the lee shore ; and when the weather had moderated the seamen were returned to their ship, which was then taken into Bideford Harbour for repairs..