LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

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Services of the Life-Boats of the National Life-Boat Institution During the First Three Months of 1877

BERWICK-ON-TWEED.—On the afternoon of the 1st January, when a strong gale from the N.E. and a fresh in the river had set up an unusually heavy sea on the bar of the Tweed, the barque Result, of Guern- sey, which was bound from Sombrero to Berwick, was observed running for the entrance of the river; and in anticipation of some mischance the Life-boat Albert Victor was launched. At about 3 P.M., whilst endeavouring to haul to windward to enter the river, the Result was forced to leeward among the breakers on the south side, and finally stranded on a sand-bank, where she remained surrounded by a heavy sea. The Life-boat got alongside as speedily as possible, and was success- ful in rescuing all on board, 9 persons.

Great risk was undergone by the Life-boat crew in performing this service, which was executed in a skilful manner. Notwith- standing which the boat received some damage.

HOLYHEAD.—About 10 A.M. on the 3rd January the smack John and Eliza was observed in a dangerous position on a lee shore, and surrounded by broken water.

It was at the time blowing a gale from E.S.E. The Life-boat Thomas Fielden was launched and proceeded to her assistance, and succeeded in removing from her the crew of 3 men. The crew of the smack Sarah were then found to be in an equally dangerous position, and the Life- boat rescued them also, 2 in number.

An effort was then made to beat to wind- ward, but the narrow space between the rocks necessitating frequent tacking pre- vented the Life-boat gaining ground to windward, and the anchor was let go.

Ultimately the steam-tug Brilliant Star came down and towed the Life-boat, with the 5 rescued men, back to the station.

About 6.30 A.M. on the 20th February signals of distress were shown by some vessels at anchor in the roads. A heavy gale was blowing from the N.W. The Life-boat was launched, and boarded, first of all, the three-masted schooner Charlotte, which, however, only required a steam-tug to be sent to her. She then proceeded to the ship Flora, of Liverpool, in the old harbour, which vessel she supplied with a pilot and 2 men to assist in weighing, and returned to her station by 9 A.M.

BRIGHTON.—At about 9 P.M. on the 6th January, when it was blowing hard from S. by E., the barque Ida, of Glasgow, bound from Havre to Pensacola, drove ashore on the beach at this town. A com- munication was established with the rocket apparatus, but the crew being unable, from ignorance of its use, to avail themselves of this means of saving themselves, the Life-boat Robert Bailees was launched and proceeded to the stranded vessel through a heavy sea, and succeeded in removing 1 of her crew, 3 saving themselves by swimming, and the remainder, 10 in number, being taken off by the Town Life-boat.

RYE.—The Life-boat Arthur Frederick was launched at 5 A.M., on the 11th January, and proceeded to the assistance of a leaky fishing-smack, which she after- wards conducted safely into the river.

There was a considerable sea on the sands at the time.

DROGHEDA.—On the 10th January the No. 2 Life-boat, John Suiter Charley, of this station, was launched to the assistance of the barque Sisters, of Sunderland, which vessel being driven in on the lee-shore of Bettystown strand came in contact with the ground and foundered at her anchors, it blowing hard from the eastward at the time. The Life-boat reached the wreck about 9 P.M., and there was great difficulty in lying close alongside. But after lying by her for many hours, at 3 A.M., on the 11th, she succeeded in rescuing all hands, con- sisting of 11 persons.

At 9 A.M. on the 18th January, at which time it was blowing hard from the southward, the s.s. Urania, of Swansea, bound from that port to Newry, went ashore north of this port on the North Bull Bank, and the same Life-boat promptly proceeded to her assistance; but so heavy was the sea around the stranded vessel that several attempts to board failed. The coxswain at last being washed overboard, and saved with diffi- culty, and another of the crew injured, the boat was finally forced away from the wreck, and into the river, where notwith- standing the exposure which the coxswain, JOHN GARVEY had been subjected to by twenty minutes' immersion, he succeeded in reorganising his crew, and again pro- ceeded to the Urania, and after some further delay succeeded in removing from her all those on board, consisting of 10 persons; one officer, the mate, had pre- viously been drowned.

About 2 o'clock on the 7th March, at which time it was blowing hard from the N.E., with a heavy sea, the schooner Mary, of Liverpool, bound from Maryport to Eostrevor, struck on the South Bull near the mouth of the Boyne. The No. 2 Life-boat at once launched and proceeded out of the river, and was successful in rescuing all on board, consisting of 3 persons. The vessel became a total wreck soon after the Life-boat returned to its station.

On the afternoon of the 25th March the schooner Fria, of Thisted, was observed at anchor in a disabled condition two miles from Drogheda Bar. A strong easterly gale was blowing, and the Life- boat's crew found it impossible to force the boat out of the river that night, .but on the morning of the 26th the No. 1 Life- boat, the Old George Irlam of 'Liverpool, made her way out and succeeded in boarding the distressed vessel, weighed her anchor, and assisted a tug-boat which also arrived to carry her into the Boyne river. The Fria carried a crew of 7 hands, all told.

NEWQUAY, CORNWALL.—At daybreak on the 29th January the Lizzie Male, of Padstow, bound from Swansea to Fecamp, was observed riding at anchor, dismasted, and with a distress signal flying. She was off Towan Head, four miles from the Life-boat Station. It was blowing a strong gale from the N.W. After nearly two hours of hard rowing against a heavy sea the Life-boat succeeded in reaching the disabled vessel, and embarking all on board, 6 in number. The tide being out when the Life-boat regained the shore, and it therefore not being possible to gain the shelter of the quay, it became neces- sary to run the boat on to the open beach through a very heavy surf, a feat which was so successfully performed as to reflect great credit on the skill of the coxswain.

The abandoned vessel a few hours after- wards foundered at her anchors.

PORTHDINLLAEN.—At daybreak on the 30th Jan. the schooner Bebeccz and Mary, of Carnarvon, was observed riding at an- chor in a dangerous position off the Life- boat Station, with a signal of distress flying. It was blowing a hard gale from N.N.W., which is nearly right into Porth- dinllaen Bay. The Life-boat Cotton Shep- pard was launched, and succeeded in boarding the distressed vessel, whose crew of 5 men, momentarily expecting the vessel's cable to part, were very thankful for the Life-boat services, and were safely landed by 10 A.M.

On the 19th January, at 6 P.M., during a heavy gale at "W.N.W., signals of distress were observed from a vessel at anchor in the bay. The Life-boat was thereupon launched, and on gaining the vessel it was ascertained that a boat which had left for the shore had been observed, after breaking her oars, to be drifting out in the darkness before the gale. The Life- boat started in pursuit, and fortunately fell in with the helpless boat, rescuing thereby 2 men who formed the crew.

GREAT YARMOUTH.—At 11 A.M. on the 30th Jan., during a strong gale at N.W., a vessel was observed to go ashore on the South Scroby Sands, in consequence of sudden shift of wind. The No. 1 Life-boat, the Mark Lane, was launched and pro- ceeded to the stranded vessel under sail through a heavy sea, and anchored near her. It was found impossible to get alongside, and the crew, 12 in number, had to throw themselves overboard, with lines attached to the Life-boat, and were hauled on board; 2 of the crew, who were lads, suffered much from cold and exposure, one being unconscious when landed. The Life-boat then made for the shore under sail, and subsequently being taken in tow by a steam-tng, landed the rescued men by 2.30 P.M.

The wrecked vessel was the barque Con- stantia, of Sunder land, bound from that port to Batavia with a cargo of coals, and she became a total wreck. The Life-boat received some damage in performing this service.

ABERSOCH.—At 9 A.M. on the 30th Jan. the schooner Annie, of Padstow, bound from Dublin to Bristol, was observed with signals of distress flying while riding at anchor in St. Tudwell's Roads. It was blowing a hard gale from the N.W.

and a heavy sea was running. The Life-boat Mabel Louisa, was thereupon launched and proceeded to render assist- ance. Great difficulty was experienced in getting the master, who was ill, on board the Life-boat, but eventually himself and crew, 5 persons in all, were transferred to it. As there seemed at that time some chance of the wind moderating, the cox- swain of the Life-boat determined to re- main alongside as long as possible in the hope of saving the vessel; but, while they thus lingered, she parted her cable, and, driving on the rocks, became a total wreck. The Life-boat landed the crew in safety by dark.

NEW BRIGHTON.—On the 28th January, at 1.30 P.M., a signal from the Crosby Light- ship gave warning that a vessel in distress near Tailor's Bank required the aid of a Life-boat. The tubular Life-boat was there- upon manned, and proceeded in tow by the steam-tug Hercules to render assistance.

The distressed vessel was boarded by the Life-boat at 1.30, and found to be the sloop Darling, of Beaumaris, anchored in a dangerous position, and requiring as- sistance. The Life-boat's crew got the vessel under weigh, and the steam-tug then towed her into port. This vessel had a crew of 2 men.

On 30th January at 9 A.M., in con- sequence of a signal from the Hock Lighthouse, at the entrance of the Mersey, that a ship was in distress at the back of the banks on "Square 43," the Life- boat Willie and Arthur proceeded down the river in tow of the steam-tug Universe, and at noon the life-boatmen succeeded in boarding the distressed vessel. A very heavy sea was running and it was blowing a strong gale from the N.W. The vessel boarded was the barque I. E. Chase, of Savannah, bound from that port to Liver- pool. She had cut away her mainmast and had her sails all blown away. The Life-boat remained by her till, taken in tow by the Guiding Star, she was carried safely into port. The Life-boat shipped some heavy seas while returning to its station, and had most of the oars and other gear washed away.

On the 20th Feb. this Life-boat again performed most distinguished services in saving life. About 1 A.M. the usual signal of distress summoned the steam-tug Guiding Star, with the Life-boat in. tow, to the bar of the river. A gale of unusual severity was blowing from the N., and the night was dark, with thick weather. An Italian barque in a distressed condition was fallen in with about 4 A.M. off the Crosby, and having, with the aid of the Life-boat, been taken in tow by the tug, was eventually carried safely into the river, the Life-boat returning to her station under sail.

Scarcely had it landed, when news arrived that'the ship Marietta, of Liverpool, which had sailed from the port the day previ- ously, bound for Bombay, was ashore on the bar. In a very short time the Life- boat was again proceeding seaward in tow of the Great Western tug, which cast off the boat when near enough to the wreck. The Marietta had lost her main and mizzen masts, and broken her back across the bar, and the crew, to the number of 25, were clinging, as best they might, to the fore rigging, and a part of the poop still above water. The Life-boat was unable to get alongside on account of the mass of wreckage; but anchoring near, she con- trived to get a line thrown on board, and saved 13 persons, by hauling them through the seas to the boat; 4 others were drowned whilst making the attempt. Six persons remained clinging to the rigging, who were saved by the Liverpool Life- boat, which now arrived. The crews of both these boats behaved in the most courageous manner; and nothing - but heroic exertions on the part of all who formed the crews could have been effectual in saving these 19 lives, under such trying circumstances.

KILDONAN, ISLE OF ARRAN.—On the 11th February, at 10.30 A.M., the Life-boat Hope proceeded, in tow of the tug steamer Flying Sprite, to the assistance of a ship reported on shore on the Sliddery Rock, at the south end of the island. It was blowing hard from the westward. On the Life-boat approaching the stranded vessel it was found that the bulk of the crew had already landed in their own boat. One man gladly availed himself of the services of the Life-boat, but the captain and two mates refused to abandon the vessel, in hopes of the weather moderating. The stranded vessel was the barque Queen of Hearts, of Miramichi, bound from the Clyde to Balti- more. The Life-boat landed the man in safety by 3 P.M.

ABERSTYWYTH.—Just before dark on the 20th February, while it was blowing a hard gale from the N.W., the schooner Sarah Mien, of Liverpool, bound from Plymouth to Belfast, was seen driving be- fore the storm, with sails blown away, towards the rocky coast southward of the station. The Life-boat Lady Haberfield was speedily launched, but after an hour's energetic struggle the force of the gale proved too much for the oarsmen, and the boat had to be steered for the shore again. The oars were then double-banked with fresh men, and the Lady Haberfield made her second attempt, and after a brilliant display of dogged perseverance and pluck, the crew forced the boat suffi- ciently far to windward to clear the rocks south of the town, when sail was made, and the disabled vessel, then three miles to leeward, dragging towards the rocks with all anchors down, was rapidly closed.

About seven o'clock the crew, consist- ing of 3 men, of the Sarah Mien were safely transferred to the Life-boat, which, under sail, then made for the harbour, but after beating about the entrance till 11 P.M.

in the vain effort to get sufficiently far to windward to make good an entrance, the coxswain bore up for the beach to leeward, and with the aid of the drogue beached in safety. The men were, of course, ter- ribly exhausted after their six hours' gal- lant straggle, and had to lament the death of one of their number, JOHN JAMES, who, not long before the boat was beached, threw his arms over his head, and with a shriek expired. Probably over-effort and exhaustion had brought to a climax some inward disease. The boat's crew deserve the greatest credit for their continuous efforts, and so especially do 7 men who, when the boat returned to the beach the first time, rushing through the surf, mate- rially helped to get the boat seaward again, .and then climbed on board and helped to double-bank the oars.

PADSTOW.—About 8 o'clock on the morn- ing of the 20th February, the schooner Jeune Prosper, bound from Swansea to Bordeaux, was seen running before a strong N.W. gale for Padstow Harbour. The Life- boat Albert Edward was launched as speedily as possible, as it was anticipated that the vessel would not make good her entrance. Before the Life-boat had reached, however, the schooner struck on the Doom Bar, and then, falling off into deep water, capsized. The crew were left floating about.

Two men perished; 2 were picked up by a pilot-vessel, and one was saved by the Life-boat.

Scarcely had the boat been secured in the house on the return from this cruise, when another vessel was seen running for the harbour, and this time the Life-boat, having arrived at the Point in time, was enabled by signals to pilot her past the dangers of the Bar and to a safe anchorage, thus saving the French lugger St. Clement, from Cardiff, bound to Nantes.

While employed on this service the cox- swain observed the schooner Plymouth, of Plymouth, part from her anchors through the violence of the gale, and the Life-boat at once proceeded to render assistance.

She succeeded in rescuing 4 persons from this wreck, which stranded and sank.

The boat finally regained her station about noon,after having performed a highly creditable and arduous forenoon's work.

DONNA NOOK.—On the 20th February, at 9 A.M., the schooner Helene, of Eye, bound from that port to Hull, was wrecked during a gale at N.E. off Grainthorpe Haven. On the boatmen perceiving the Helene was aground and flying a signal of distress, the Life-boat North Briton was launched. "With some difficulty she pro- ceeded through a heavy surf, and suc- ceeded in rescuing the whole of the crew, consisting of 3 men.

PALLING.—At 11 A.M. on the 2nd Jan., the steamer Nuphar, of Shields, bound from Antwerp to Shields, was observed in distress off Palling, having lost-her screw propeller. The No. 2 Life-boat, British Workman, was thereupon launched, and succeeded in boarding the distressed vessel through a rough sea, and subsequently assisted to convey her safely into Tar- mouth Roads.

On the 3rd February, in reply to signals of distress shown by the barque James Vinnicombe, of Sunderland, which had been in collision with another vessel and was in a disabled condition, the same Life-boat was launched, and, assisted by a steam-tug, carried the vessel into port.

The barque was bound from Sunderland to the East Indies.

Again, at 10.30 on the 18th March, the Johanna Vrow, of Altona, bound from Cork to Shields, stranded on the Hasbro" Sands and; sprang a leak. The Life-boat pro- ceeded to her assistance, and, in company with a steam-tug, got her afloat and into Yarmouth. The weather was moderate.

CAHORE.—It was blowing a heavy storm from the S.E. on the 18th January, when the barque Nanta, of Lussino, bound from Glasgow to Trieste, was observed ashore on the Rusk Bank off the coast of Wex- ford. The Life-boat Sir George Bowles was launched, and proceeded towards the wreck; the sea was so great that it took three hours for the crew to force the boat through it for the distance of 3 miles.

Arrived at the wreck, a long interval elapsed before a fair opportunity to board occurred, and finally the Life-boat dashed in and maintained a position near enough to pass the crew through the water one by one into the boat; thus ultimately were saved all on board, 13 in number. The boat was several times filled with water, and the crew deserve great credit for their persevering and determined efforts in rowing against the storm.

PAKEFIELD.—On the 18th January, at 11 A.M., when blowing very hard from S.S.W., the steamer Ludworth, bound from Hartlepool to London, was seen to exhibit signals of distress, and the No. 1 Life- boat The Two Sisters, Mary and Hannah, was launched, and soon after noon she succeeded in boarding the distressed vessel.

It was found that a steam-tug was re- quired, and at the request of the master the Life-boat proceeded to obtain one, and then returning to the steamer, assisted to navigate her into port in tow of the steamer.

LLANDULLAS. — On the 19th January, during a S.W. gale, the smack Ann Prit- chard, of Carnarvon, was observed with a signal of distress flying, 3 miles from this station. The Life-boat Henry Nixson, No. 2, was accordingly launched, and after an hour and a half of hard work at the oars the smack was boarded; she was found to have parted from her cable, to be leaking badly, and was unmanageable.

The crew of 2 persons had given them- selves up for lost. The Life-boat, having got the crew out, ultimately ran the vessel on the beach, regaining their station about 9 P.M.

WEXFORD.—On the 22nd January, at 9.30 P.M., whilst blowing hard from the S.W., cries for assistance were heard from a vessel in distress on the north end of the Dogger Bank; information of which being conveyed to the Life-boat Station at Eosslare, the Civil Service was promptly launched, and proceeded to the bank, where she found the fishing-smack Moun- tain Hare, of Wexford, on her beam-ends, and full of water, the crew with difficulty clinging on to the rigging. The Life-boat wAs successful in rescuing the whole crew, 6 in number.

BALLANTYRE.—On 23rd January, about 8 o'clock at night, when blowing very hard from the S.W., the brig Aurora, of Ardros- san, bound from Belfast to that port, was observed drifting in on the shore in a dis- abled condition and exhibiting signals of distress. The Life-boat William and Harriot, with some difficulty from the lowness of the tide, was launched in the harbour, and then proceeded to sea, and about 9 P.M. succeeded in boarding the Aurora (which vessel by that time had struck on a reef), and from her succeeded in rescuing the crew of 7 persons. The Aurora became a total wreck.

KINGSDOWNE.—On the 24th January, at 9.30 A.M., when blowing hard from W.S.W., the Life-boat Sabrina went out to the brig Dillwyn, of Swansea, ashore on the South Goodwin Sands. The sea was washing the brig fore and aft, and as the Life-boat approached two of the crew were washed away by the violence of the sea. Of these one was saved, and the other perished. The life-boatmen having boarded the stranded vessel, by dint of hard pumping kept her sufficiently light to float off the shoal with the rising tide; and then, with water still gaining on them, managed to carry the ship into Ramsgate Harbour. Besides the one lost, this vessel had a crew of 8 persons. She was laden with railway iron and sleepers, and bound to the Cape of Good Hope.

CAISTER.—The No. 2 Life-boat, the God- send, was launched at 11 A.M. on the 28th January, and proceeded to the assistance of the brig La Belle, of Shoreham, bound from Shields to Poole, which vessel was ashore on the North Scroby, a heavy sea running and blowing hard from the S.W.

The Life-boat was towed to windward by a steam-tug, and then making sail went through the broken water on the shoals and succeeded in boarding the La Belle, which, besides her own crew, had on, board several beachmen, who had been trying to get her afloat, but were now unable even to leave her, their yawl having been com- pelled to drop off the shoal on account of the breakers. After another futile attempt by the combined crews, as the water was still gaining, the vessel was abandoned, the Life-boat making trips clear of the breakers till all the men were removed.

The crew of the brig were 8 in number.

This Life-boat was also launched, at noon of the 27th February, to render as- sistance to a vessel observed at anchor in a dangerous position near the Cockle Sand, with a signal of distress flying. The Godsend had to cross the Barber Sand, over which a dangerous sea was breaking, as it was blowing hard from the northward, accompanied by heavy squalls of snow.

The distressed vessel was found to be the schooner Sea Lark, of Castlehill, -which was leaking badly, and expected by the crew to part her remaining cable and go ashore. The Life-boat succeeded in pro- curing the assistance of a steam-tug, and eventually the Sea Lark was carried safely into port; she bore a crew of 5 men.

About 8 P.M. on the 9th March the schooner Harriet, of Goole, was seen to strike on the Barber Sands, and the Life- boat Godsend launched and went out to render assistance. There was a moderate breeze from the E., and the Life-boat was employed in carrying beachmen from the yawls, through the broken water to the stranded vessel, with which assistance she was got off towards daylight on the 10th.

RAMSGATE. — At 9 P.M. on the 31st January, when blowing hard from the S.W., in answer to signals of distress from the Gull Lightship, the steam-tug Aid, with the Life-boat Bradford in tow, pro- ceeded to the dismasted barque Dorothea, of Sunderland, which vessel had been in collision with a steamer and lost her masts.

The Life-boat, having boarded her, ran a hawser out to the steam-tug, which ulti- mately succeeded in carrying her safely into Ramsgate. The Dorothea carried a crew of 11 men.

Soon after 6 A.M. on the 20th March, during a N.E. gale, the schooner Jessie, of Perth, bound from Littleferry to Ports- I mouth, was seen ashore on the North Sand Head, off Goodwin, and the Life-boat, in tow of the steam-tug, proceeded to render assistance. Arrived sufficiently to wind- ward, the Life-boat cast off the tow-rope, and making sail, made over the sand to the Jessie. She drove ashore near that vessel, and the crew, 4 in number, wading through a heavy surf, gained the Life-boat in safety.

As the tide rose, the Life-boat beat over the sand to deep water in Trinity Bay, where she was again taken in tow by the Vulcan, and taken back to Ramsgate.

FISHGUARD.—During a heavy gale at N., shortly after midnight of the 20th Feb., the No. 2 Life-boat, The Fraser, was launched to the assistance of the dandy Adventure, of Bridgwater, which vessel was in a dangerous position near the Good- wick Sands, and showing signals of dis- tress. The wind setting right into the bay, a very dangerous sea was running, and the Life-boat's crew displayed con- siderable hardihood and courage in get- ting alongside; they were successful in rescuing the crew of the Adventure, 4 in number. Another vessel was then seen through the darkness driving down on the sands—the brigantine B. F. Nash, of New York, and the Life-boat closing her, re- moved the whole of the crew of 11 persons.

On the 23rd February the gale which had been the cause of the wrecks previ- ously noted shifted to the N.E., and increased in fury, setting up a terrible sea in Fishguard Bay. At about an hour after midnight of 22-23rd, signals of distress were exhibited from three vessels at anchor in the roadstead, viz., the George Evans, of Newquay, the Adventure, of Bridgwater, and the Supply, of Newport.

The Life-boat No. 1, Sir Edward Perrott, was at once launched, and forcing her way through an unusually heavy sea, succeeded in boarding those three vessels, as they lay in a perilous position at their anchors, and removing their crews. From the George Evans 2 were rescued; from the Adventure, 4, and from the Supply, 3.

All were safely landed by about 4.30 A.M.

Immediately on which it again became necessary to launch and proceed to the brigantine B. F. Nash, of New York, which vessel had been driven on the beach in the previous part of the gale, but whose crew had returned to her and were BOW in danger. Soon after the Life-boat reached her, however, the tide ebbed, and the crew deciding to remain by their ship, she returned to her station about daybreak.

In recognition of his skill and courage on this occasion, JAMBS WHITE, commissioned boatman of Coastguard, the coxswain, re- ceived from the Institution, in addition to the medal with second service clasp, awarded for previous meritorious service, a third bar.

PORT ISAAC.—On the 20th February, during a heavy gale from N.W., the barque Ada Melmore, of Maryport, was observed at anchor close in upon the rocks, near Port Quin, 4 miles from Port Isaac, with Signals of distress flying. About 9 o'clock the Life-boat Richard and Sarah was taken by land over an intricate road, and launched with difficulty, when she proceeded through a tremendous sea to the barque. It was decided by the master and officers to remain by the ship, the Life-boat now being at hand, but the crew decided that the risk would be too great, and 10 in number were landed by the Life-boat. Subsequently, the weather moderating, the Life-boat put the crew on board again, and the vessel weighed and stood out to sea. She was bound from Glasgow to Monte Video.

BLAKENEY.—During a gale from the northward, on the 21st February, the ketch Aid, of Hull, bound from Barton to London, was observed riding heavily at her anchors, 4 miles from Blakeney, with a signal of distress flying. The tide being out, the Life-boat Settle had to be dragged a considerable distance over the sands, and then the bar was found to be impassable. At 4 o'clock the next morn- ing, however, the tide serving, the Life- boat got out of the river and succeeded in reaching the Aid. At the same time the steam-tug from Wells arrived, and the Aid, having been taken in tow, was carried safely into port, assisted by the Life-boat's crew.

WHITBY—On the 23rd February, when blowing hard from N.N.E., while several fishing-cobles were running into the har- bour, one, the Ann Elizabeth, was caught by a cross sea and capsized. The No. 1 Life-boat, Robert Whitworth, was promptly launched. In the meantime one of the j other cobles had approached the over- turned boat and rescued 2 men; a third was drowned, though the body was re- covered; the Life-boat having reached the spot, immediately afterwards relieved the coble of the crew of the capsized boat and returned into port with them. The same Life-boat proceeded out of harbour at daybreak on the 1st March, and rescued the crew of the Norwegian brig Christopher Hansteen, which vessel, while on a voyage from Norway to Leith, was thrown on her beam-ends. The crew took to their long- boat, and were about to try to land through a dangerous surf when waved, off by workmen, who roused the Life-boat's crew. The Robert Whitworth succeeded in embarking and landing safely the entire crew of 8 men.

DUNBAR.—About noon on the 7th March, when a strong northerly gale was blowing, the steamer James, of Greenock, bound to Campbeltown, was seen drifting towards the shore with signals of distress flying.

The Life-boat Wallace was got out and dragged a considerable distance over the sands by men, and then, with the assist- ance of horses, conveyed with difficulty, on account of the softness of the sands, to the most suitable place for launching, and after a smart row her crew succeeded in getting her alongside the James, which by that time had struck the rocks, and rescued from her the crew of 4 men.

The vessel afterwards sank and broke up.

PENARTH.—At 7.30 P.M. on the 7th March, in answer to signals of distress, the Life-boat Joseph Denman was launched, and boarded the brig Crocodile, of Dart- mouth, which vessel had got ashore on the west end of Cardiff sands. A strong gale was blowing from N.W., and the master requested the Life-boat might lay by him till out of danger. This was done, and with the flowing tide the Crocodile floated off. The Life-boat re- turned to its station towards midnight.

HOWTH.—At 4A.M. on Sunday morning the 26th March, the barque Eva, of Dublin, was stranded on Baldoyle strand, when it was blowing a strong gale from the S.E.

The Life-boat Clara Baker was speedily manned, and proceeded to the vessel, over which the sea was making a clean breach.

Part of the crew, 5 in number, had taken to their own boat before the ship had struck, but three others, who had preferred the chance of being saved by sticking to the wreck, were now lashed in the mizzen rigging to prevent being washed away.

The Life-boat, after filling several times from the heavy seas, -was with difficulty got near enough to the wreck to save these men, and being unable to regain her station bore up for Baldoyle when the rescue was effected.

The Eva belonged to Dublin, and was bound to Ardrossan. She became a total wreck.