On the 29th April, at about 1.15 P.M., a smacksman reported that he had seen a barque on the North Sand Head. The Bradford Life-boat left the harbour in tow of the Vulcan, at 1.25, and proceeded to the vessel, which proved to be the Galera, of Glasgow, from London to Trinidad with a general cargo. The Life-boat went alongside and her services were accepted by the master, who was the only person on board, the crew being on board a steam-tug. The vessel having several feet of water in her hold, the pumps were set to work, and the tow-ropes of the Vulcan and two other tugs were attached.

The boat was then sent for the crew of the vessel, but they all refused to return, with the exception of the mate, who again went on board. The Champion lugger now arrived alongside, and her crew were engaged to assist in pumping. The tugs towed until 5 P.M. when the barque came off, striking heavily on the Sand. The Vulcan then cast off, and the other two tugs towed the vessel to London; the Life-boat being in attendance, men being kept on board pumping continually until 5 o'clock the following morning, when she arrived in the West India Dock and was moored in a safe berth, having then three feet of water in her..