CLACTON-ON-SEA.—During a very strong gale of wind from the S.S.W., accompanied by a heavy sea, at about 4 P.M. on the 29th April, a sloop was observed in the offing sailing in a westerly direction. The wind increased and shifted westerly, whereupon the sloop stood over to the Gunfleet Sand; afterwards, owing to the severity of the gale, she made for Clacton, and sought shelter under the pier, but the water being shallow she grounded, and showed a signal of distress. The Life-boat Albert Edward was manned and promptly went to the aid of the vessel, being veered down to her by means of a rope from the pier. The sea broke heavily over the boat, constantly filling her; but at length, after a hard struggle, she reached the wreck and saved the crew of five men.

The Life-boat was several times in danger of being upset, and much bravery and discretion were shown by the coxswain and crew. Two of the Life-boat men were washed overboard while reshipping the boat's rudder, which had been damaged, but they were happily rescued. The service was witnessed by a large number of persons, and on the Life-boat reaching the pier with the shipwrecked men, she was received with much cheering. The stranded sloop proved to be the Nordstiernen, of Haugesund, bound from that port to London, with herrings..