LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

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Fanny, of Salcombe

On January 3 the schooner Fanny, of Salcombe, bound from Cardiff to Barbadoes, became a total wreck in Tramore Bay, county Waterford. The vessel had been observed, soon after noon, trying to beat out of the Bay, into "which a heavy sea, accompanied by a fresh breeze at S.W., was setting. Signs of mismanage- ment on the part of the commander were also observed. She was watched from the Life-boat station at Tramore for several hours, by Mr. JACOB, the Honorary Secre- tary, and the crew of the Life-boat. Just before dark she was seen (having failed in her effort to weather Brownstown Head) to come to an anchor close in to the cliffs.

The destruction of the vessel was now a question of an hour or two, as no vessel could hold on long to her anchors in that position. The Life-boat Tom Egan was therefore at once launched, and even- tually boarded the distressed vessel, re- turning to the shore by 8 P.M., with the crew of 7 persons. As was anticipated, the schooner soon parted her cables and became a total wreck.

The prompt action of STEPHEN PILCHER, of the coastguard, the coxswain of the Life-boat, called forth the special com- mendation of the Local Committee; and the Committee of the Institution, taking into consideration his long and valuable services, awarded him the silver medal of the Institution, and a vote of thanks on vellum. The crew of the Fanny saved on this occasion made up the large number of 63 persons whom, by his courage and skill, he had assisted to save from drown- ing..