On September 22nd, during a fresh breeze at E.N.E., a burning tar-barrel was observed at this station from some distressed vessel in the direction of the east end of the Goodwin Sands. The steam-tug Vulwm, with the Life-boat Bradford in tow, both of which are under the management of the BOARD of TRADE, left' the harbour a little before midnight. The steamer made her way against a strong head-sea through the Cudd Channel to a suitable position, and then slipped the Life-boat, which made sail, and on reaching the dis- tressed vessel found her to be the barque Bucephalus, of Shields, bound from Cabes to Shields. The vessel had been in col- lision with a brig, and besides leaking badly, was anchored in a dangerous posi- tiou, a cable's length from the Goodwin Knowle. The 2nd officer had been washed off and drowned, and the carpenter badly injured whilst over the bows endeavouring to stop the leak. The Life-boat having returned to the steamer with this intel- ligence, the latter dropped down close enough for the Life-boat to run out a towing hawser from the barque to her— always a difficult operation at night and in a rough sea. Communication thus, established, part of the Life-boat's crew went on board the ship; the anchor was slipped, and the steamer started ahead with the barque in tow, and about 3.30 A.M. got her clear out from the Sands, and to a safe anchorage in the Downs— all this time, however, the vessel was leaking freely, and it needed the greatest exertions on the part of her own and the Life-boat's crew to prevent the water gain- ing on them. At daylight the Life-boat's work was concluded, and in tow of the Vulcan she returned to Ramsgate; both steamer and Life-boat having performed a highly creditable night's work.

The Bucephalus was laden with lead and grass, and carried a crew of 20 men.