On the 11th November, at 3 A.M., signal rockets were fired from the Gull Lightship, and were answered by a rocket from Ramsgate pier-head. The Life-boat Bradford and steam-tug Aid were at once manned, left the harbour at 3.15, and proceeded towards a large flare light on the N.W. part of the Goodwin Sands. On arriving abreast, the Lifeboat was slipped and made sail for the light, but took the ground about half a cable's length from the distressed vessel.

The Life-boat men then hailed the crew, and told them they would come alongside directly the tide flowed, and that the steamer would assist to get her off. On the Life-boat floating, she attempted to get alongside, but as the vessel was lying in a swatchway, and the tide was running very strong to S.W., it was some time before she succeeded in getting to her. In the meanwhile a Deal galley rowed alongside.

At about daylight the Life-boat was able to put a man on board. As the tide flowed, the vessel floated and drove in more on the shoal part of the sand; her anchor was then let go, but the chain parted, and although her other anchor •was let go, she still continued driving in and striking heavily. The master then seeing the dangerous position of his vessel, hailed the tug to come to his assistance.

The Aid then backed in as near as possible to her, and took her tow-rope on board; the chain was slipped, and she was towed clear of the sand and into Ramsgate, arriving at about 8.30 A.M.

The vessel was leaking very badly, and the pumps were kept constantly going in order to keep her afloat. She was the schooner Albion, of Wells, bound from Llanelly to Wells, with a cargo of coal.

She had a crew of 3 men.