. — Early on the morning of the 2nd January, during a strong W.S.W.

breeze and heavy sea, large flare lights were seen in the direction of the Cross Sand, and the Lightships fired guns and rockets. The No. 1 Life-boat Covent Garden thereupon proceeded to the Middle Cross Sand, and found the s.s. Amcott, of West Hartlepool, bound from London to the Tyne in ballast, ashore there, in the midst of heavy breakers. The Life-boat let go her anchor, wore down under the lee of the steamer, and boarded her,, when the crew were engaged by the master to assist to .get his ship off the sand. Fortunately their efforts were successful, and the steamer was eventually enabled to proceed on her voyage..