RAMSGATE.—Signal guns from the Gull and Goodwin Lightships were heard at 10.30 A.M. on the 3rd May, and a schooner was seen to run ashore on the North Sand Head. The wind at the time was blowing from the N. The Life-boat Bradford and harbour steam-tug Aid were immediately manned and proceeded to the vessel; but, before getting to her, both her masts were seen to fall over the side.

On arriving to windward the Life-boat was slipped from the steamer and sailed to the vessel. Some of the Life-boatmen went on board, and at once set to work to extricate her from her perilous position.

She was thumping heavily and was full of water, but her cargo of deals prevented her from sinking. The starboard anchor was let go, to prevent her from driving farther on the sands; and the steamer was signalled to and backed in under her stern. The tug's large towing hawser was then hauled on board and made fast,and she towed in a N.E. direction for about an hour. The schooner continued to strike heavily on the sand, but she ultimately floated, and was towed into Ramsgate Harbour in a waterlogged condition.

She was the Aldebaran, of Laurvig, 111 tons, bound from Porsgrund to Abbeville. She had a crew of five men.