BRIGHSTONE GRANGE, ISLE OF WIGHT.— The Worcester Cadet Life-boat was launched at 8.20 P.M. on the 3rd January, 1884, signal guns of distress having been heard in the direction of the " Atherfield Ledge" rocks during a thick fog and a heavy ground swell. On arriving there it was found that the four-mast steamer Duke of Westminster, of London, 3800 tons, had gone on the rocks. She was bound from Brisbane and Colombo to London with a general cargo, and had on board 21 pas- sengers and a crew of 103 persons. The whole of the passengers were taken into ' the Life-boat and landed at Grange Chine, after which the boat returned to the ship ,to bring off the crew if necessary. She ; remained by her about three hours, when, finding that her services were not required, she returned to her station.

On the evening of the 5th January a ! mounted messenger from the officer of I Coast Guard arrived at Brighstone Grange and requested that the Life-boat might again proceed to the stranded steamer.

The boat was accordingly launched at 6.15, went to the vessel, and in three trips took off 52 men, and safely landed them at Atherfield.

WEXFORD, IRELAND.—At midnight on the 4th January, during a very strong gale from S. by E., a light was observed from a vessel which was apparently ashore in South Bay. The crew of the No. 1 Life-boat Ethel Eveleen were at once sum- moned, and the boat was launched, and proceeded over the bar. By this time the light had disappeared, but the Life- boat continued cruising about until day- break, when the crew observed the, schooner Jenny Lind, of and for Wexford, from Newport, stranded on the south end of the Dogger Bank. With much difficulty they were successful in rescuing the crew, consisting of four men, the sea making a complete breach over the wreck at the time. The boat then returned to its station in safety, after being absent for nearly ten hours.

At midnight on the 11th February it was reported that a schooner, which proved to be the Egmont, of and for Cork from Cardiff with a cargo of coal, was riding with only one anchor close to " Holden's Bed." Her crew were said to be on board the schooner Rapid, of Wexford, having abandoned their vessel in a sinking con- dition. A strong gale from the S.W. by S. was blowing at the time, accompanied by a heavy sea. The Civil Service No. 1 Life-boat went to her assistance in tow of the steam-tug Ruby, and found that there was no one on board, and that the vessel had 6 feet of water in her hold.

The Life-boatmen did their best to save the schooner, and the tug returned to Wexford, taking the crew of the vessel off the Rapid, and brought out another anchor. The Sapid was then re-moored, and the Life-boat remained in charge of her until 1 o'clock the following afternoon, when it was thought prudent to leave her, as she was leaking very much, and the weather was very bad. The Life-boat, therefore, pulled for shore, and was beached at Rosslare.

MONTROSE.—Information was received at about 8.15 A.M. on the 5th January that a large steamer was ashore abreast of Kinnaber, about three miles north of Montrose. A strong gale from S. by E. was blowing, with rain, end there was a heavy sea on the bar. The No. 1 Life- boat Mincing Lane was promptly launched, and reached the vessel, which was the s.s. Loch Ness, of Dundee, bound from Libau to Leith with a cargo of grain and hemp. The heavy seas were breaking right over her, and her crew of 18 men were therefore taken into the Life-boat and safely landed. The steamer floated again after the greater part of her cargo had been jettisoned.

Information was brought to the Life- boat Station at 7.30 A.M. on the 18th February that a schooner was ashore close to the new entrance of the North Esk River, about 3 miles N., in Montrose Bay.

The Life-boatmen were at once summoned; the No. 2 Life-boat, Roman Governor of Goer Sun, was taken out on her transport- ing carriage, and as horses had not then arrived, the crew and helpers hauled her along so as to avoid delay. The horses overtook them, however, when about half way, were harnessed to the carriage, and the boat arrived abreast of the vessel at about 8.45. She was then launched, reached the stranded schooner, which was found to be the Christine, of Svendborg, bound from St. Petersbnrgh to Aberdeen, with a cargo of crushed bones, and her crew consisting of 5 men were rescued.

On Sunday evening, 9th March, at about half-past six o'clock, the pilots on the look-out discovered a small steamer to the S. of the harbour. A heavy gale from S.S.E. was blowing at the time, and the sea was rapidly increasing. The Life-boat crews were promptly summoned, and the No. 1 Life-boat Mincing Lane put off to the assistance of the vessel, which proved to be the May Flower, of and from Glas- gow for Montrose, with coal. Shortly before the Life-boat reached her she was driven to the north of the Annat Bank, where she struck. The boat pulled across the end of the bank, dropped down to the steamer on her starboard side, and got fast to her. The sea was so heavy, and the steamer rolled so much, that the crew of the Life-boat had to make four attempts before they could rescue the first man, but they bravely continued their efforts until the crew of 4 men were taken into the Life-boat. In effecting this rescue, the boat was filled five times by the heavy seas, six of her oars were broken, and she was lifted as high as the steamer's rail, and dashed against it, damaging her bow.

Attempts were now made to pull the boat to sea, but she was so disabled that it was found impossible to do so, and she drove on an outlying bank on the north side of the Annat Sands. The coxswain and one of the crew then had lines secured to them, and made two attempts to reach the shore; on the second occasion they were met by a man from the shore with a locket-line, by means of which they got the boat's hawser ashore, and the boat with those on board were hauled about halfway across the sands.

The boat had to be left, however, as the tide had begun to make, and was rushing in. The No. 2 Life-boat Roman Governor of Caer Hun was launched at 7.15, when it was observed that the other boat was in danger; but it having been ascertained that the wrecked crew had been taken into the Mincing Lane, she went as near as possible to the south side of the bank until that boat was seen to be pulled on the bank. Both crews were occupied until nearly midnight in getting the No.

1 Life-boat into the river in a very heavy surf, all hands being thoroughly drenched.

The No. 2 Life-boat subsequently rendered assistance to the steamer which beat up on the beach and was afterwards floated off.

In addition to the customary rewards, the thanks of the Institution, inscribed on vellum and framed, were presented, through the coxswains, to the crews of the Montrose Life-boats, for the good services they have so frequently rendered in saving life, especially on the occasion of those above-mentioned. {Vide p. 412.)

LONGHOPE, ORKNEY.—During a terrific gale from W. by S. at about 10 A.M. on the 20th January, a steamer was observed apparently in distress. The Dickinson Edleston Life-boat went to her assistance, and found that she was the s.s. Ben Avon, of Aberdeen, bound from Liverpool to Dundee in ballast. She had lost her pro- peller, and had anchored in a dangerous position. The Life-boat returned ashore, and telegraphed to Thurso for a steam- tug, which proceeded to the vessel and towed her to Longhope.

WINCHELSEA, SUSSEX.—On the 23rd January at 3.45 A.M. the Frances Harris Life-boat was launched in reply to signals of distress, and made for the place where the signals had been last seen, about four miles E. of the Life-boat Station, but nothing could be seen of any wreck. She then anchored for a time, until a vessel was descried to leeward, when the anchor was at once got up, and the Boat proceeded to her. On arriving at the spot it was found that she had sunk, and that the crew of 7 men were clinging to the rig- ging. With great risk and) difficulty, a very heavy sea running at the time, a line was passed to the poor fellows, and they were taken into the Life-boat. About an hour before the Life-boat arrived, the master of the vessel was unfortunately drowned, the deck-house, in which he had taken shelter, having been washed away. The vessel proved to be the brig Silksworth, of Sunderland, bound from Fecamp to Blyth in ballast.

NEWBIGGIN, NORTHUMBERLAND.—On the 23rd January the Newbiggin fishing-boats went to the fishing-ground at 4 A.M. A severe gale from the S.E. sprung up in the forenoon, and at 12.15 it became necessary to launch the Life-boat William, Hopkinson of Brighouse, which assisted several of the endangered boats to return to the shore.

In the absence at sea of the regular crew the boat was mostly manned by the old men of the place, the former coxswain, PHILIP JEFFERSON, taking command. They were afloat about five hours, and were much exhausted, being drenched by the heavy seas breaking over them.

The barque Leonar, of Hamburg, bound from that port to the Tyne with salt, went ashore on the Spittal Point Rocks, south of Newbiggin, at about 1 A.M. on the 22nd February, during thick weather and a rough sea. In reply to her signals of distress the Newbiggin Life-boat went to her assistance, got out a kedge anchor, and remained by the ship ten hours, until the tide rose, when, with the help of two steam-tugs, she was got afloat.

On the 3rd March fourteen of the New- biggin fishing-boats which had ventured out, being overtaken by a strong wind and a high sea, were in great danger. At 11 A.M. the Life-boat was launched and rendered valuable assistance to the boats, all of which reached home in safety.

ARBROATH.—Shortly before 1 P.M. on the 23rd January the People's Journal 

No. 2 Life-boat was launched, during a strong gale of wind from the S.S.E., ac- companied by hail and rain, with a high sea on the bar, to the assistance of a number of fishing-boats which had been overtaken by the storm, and were in danger of being swamped. The Life-boat was pulled outside the bar, and remained in attendance until the boats had reached the harbour in safety.

TENBY, SOUTH WALES. — The ketch Sarah Jane, of Bridgwater, was observed to be flying a signal of distress in Caldy Roads during a whole gale from the W. at 2.30 P.M. on the 23rd January. The Life-boat Carolina Morris's Divine Rescue went to her assistance, and after beating off for nearly three hours through a heavy sea found that she was dragging her anchors, and that her crew of 3 men wished to be brought ashore; they were therefore taken into the Life-boat. As the boat was leaving this vessel a signal of distress was shown by the smack Ellen, of Newport, lying in the roadstead. The Life-boat pulled to her, and found that she also was dragging her anchors. Her crew of two men were, at their request, taken on board the Life-boat, and all were landed at Tenby at 6 o'clock.

On the 26th January the coxswain of the Life-boat observed a smack showing signals of distress during a storm from the S.W. The Life-boat was immediately launched, and on reaching the vessel found her to be the Margaret Alice Dale, bound for Milford with coal. She was dragging her anchors, and the sea was making a complete breach over her; and had the wind continued, she would probably have been driven ashore. Her crew of two men were taken into the Life-boat, and landed at Tenby at 4 o'clock.

During a whole gale of wind from the S.W. on the 10th February the Life-boat was launched at 5 P.M., and proceeded to the schooner Richard Cobden, of Swansea, bound from Briton Ferry to Freeport, U.S., with coal, which was flying a signal of distress in Caldy Roads. She had parted one anchor and was dragging the other, and at the master's request five of the Life-boat's crew went on board and put out kedge anchors, and after this was accom- plished the Lifeboat brought ashore the vessel's crew, consisting of 5 men. On the following morning the weather mode- rated, the crew were taken off to their vessel by a shore-boat, and she was brought into Tenby harbour.

COURTMACSHERRY, Co. CORK.—The Life- boat City of Dublin put off at 3.30 P.M. on the 23rd January during a gale of wind from the W., signals of distress having been shown by the schooner Hebe, of Cork, bound from Newport to Bantry with a cargo of coal. On reaching the vessel it was found that she had parted one chain, and was in great danger. The Life-boat ran out two warps and anchors, which placed the vessel in safety, and, the gale having moderated, the boat returned to the shore at C o'clock, with the captain's son on board.

MARYPORT, CUMBERLAND.— During a furious gale from the N.W. and a heavy sea on the 23rd January, the Norwegian barque Alma, bound for Maryport with a cargo of pitch-pine, was at anchor in a dangerous position, and made signals of distress. At 9.30 P.M. the Life-boat Henry Nixson No. 1 put off to her assistance in tow of a steam-tug, and found that the crew had cut away the topmasts, and were anxious to be brought ashore. They were accordingly taken into the Life-boat with some difficulty, caused by some of the masts and spars being over the side of the vessel, and landed at Maryport. At daylight the weather had moderated, and the Life-boat and steam-tug took the men back to the vessel, which had, fortunately, held to her anchors.

HOLYHEAD.—At G.30 A.M., on the 24th January, the Thomas Fielden Life-boat proceeded in tow of the steam-tug Royal Saxon to the assistance of the steamer Carleon, of Cardiff, which had dragged her anchor and stranded in Holyhead Bay during a very heavy gale from the N.W. The tug having towed the boat within half a mile of the steamer, the hawser was slipped, and she ran down alongside the stranded vessel and took on board the crew of 17 persons, 3 passengers and 3 dogs. She then pulled to wind- ward, was taken in tow of the tug again, and all hands were landed in the Old Harbour at 10.15 A.M. The boat, with 36 persons on board, is said to have behaved very well in the heavy sea she had to encounter.. Signals of distress were seen in the bay at 3 A.M. on the 20th February. The Life- boat was launched, and proceeded to the barqne Eboe, of Liverpool, bound from that port for Africa with a general cargo; she had 6 feet of water in her hold, and only the mate was on board. Signals were made foT a steamer, and the vessel was taken to a place of safety. The wind was blowing a heavy gale from the S.S.W., and the sea was rough.

WATCHET, SOMERSETSHIRE.—Lights were observed to the northward of the harbour, during a strong wind and a heavy sea, early on the morning of the 24th January.

The W. It. G. Kingston Life-boat was launched at 7.30, proceeded under sail to the ship Allegiance, coal-laden from Cardiff, and found that she required tugs, as she had lost her sails, and was rolling heavily. The master of the vessel sent a message ashore by the Life-boat, and, the gale having moderated, the ship rode in safety until the arrival of a tug from Cardiff, which took her away during the following night.

PORTMADOC, CARNARVONSHIRE. — At 8 A.M. on the 24th January, a vessel having been observed on the S. side of the bar during a strong W.N.W. wind, the John, Ashbury Life-boat put off, and with some difficulty got alongside the vessel, which proved to be the barque Jlaab, of Moss, Norway, bound from Liver- pool to Valparaiso with a cargo of coal.

She had been thoroughly disabled by the gale, and had stranded about two miles S. of the Black Buoy. The master and 5 of the crew got into the Life-boat, and were put ashore. The remainder of the crew, however, refused to leave the vessel, which subsequently drove in-shore, so that on the weather moderating they were able to land in a pilot-boat.

HARWICH.—At 5.30 P.M. on the 24th January, the Springwell Life-boat was launched in reply to signals from the Gunfleet Lightship. She sailed to her through a rough sea, and was informed that there was a vessel on the " Heaps," a part of the Gunfleet Sand, bearing S.W. by W. The Life-boat proceeded in that direction, but had to bring up on the sand, as there was a head wind and a contrary tide. She laid to until 3 o'clock on the following morning, and at about 7 o'clock boarded the vessel, which was the barge Jessie, of Rochester, with a cargo of stone. She had lost all her sails and steering-gear, and had been abandoned by her crew. The Life-boatmen rigged up temporary steering-gear, and then towed the vessel into Harwich Harbour, arriving there at about 1 P.M. Whilst alongside the barge two of the Life-boatmen were washed overboard, but clung to the sail and were pulled on board again.

DEAL.—Signals were observed at about 9 P.M. on the 26th January in the direc- tion of the Brake Sand, and the Gull Lightship also sent up rockets. A strong W.S.W. gale was blowing, accompanied by a heavy sea. The crew of the Mary Somervilla Life-boat were at once snm- moiied, the boat was launched, proceeded to the Brake Sand, and found the brigantine Edina, of Liverpool, bound from London to Pernambuco with a general cargo, lying near the sand. She had been in collision with a large ship, and had lost some of her crew, six of them having jumped on to the other vessel at the time "of the collision, one of whom was killed between the two vessels, while others were missing. Some of the Life-boatmen went on board the vessel, worked all night at her anchors, which had fouled, and took her into Ramsgate Harbour on the following morning.

BROADSTAIRS.— The Life-boat Samuel Morrison Collins was launched at 10 P.M. on the 26th January to the assistance of the brig Guide, which had been in col- lision in the Downs, and had lost both her anchors. The wind was blowing a strong gale at the time, and there was a heavy sea. A lugger was hired to supply the vessel with anchors and chains, and with the aid of a tug she was taken to Ramsgate Harbour.

RAMSGATE.—The Bradford Life-boat, and the harbour steam-tug Vulcan, went out at 10 P.M. on the 26th January in response to signals of distress, during a strong S.W. gale, passed through the Cudd Channel and spoke the sloop Venus, of Guernsey, bound from London to Guernsey with cement, with a crew of 3 men on board; she had lost her anchors and chains, and asked for assistance ; three of the Life-boatmen accordingly boarded her, and sailed her into Ramsgate Harbour.

The Life-boat and tug then proceeded to the barque Herrington, of Whitby, which was burning blue lights, and as she also required help, five Life-boatmen were put on board, and she was taken in tow by the steamer. In going through the Cndd Channel the barque .took the ground and remained fast, but she subse- quently floated again, and was taken into I the harbour at 10.30 on the following morning. She was on a voyage from Shields to St. Ubes with a cargo of coal, and carried a crew of 8 men.

RAMSGATE AND BROADSTAIRS. — At 2.30 A.M. on the 11th April, during a strong N.Jf.E. wind and a heavy sea, the Goodwin and Gull Lightships fired signals.

The Ramsgate Life-boat Bradford, and the harbour steam-tug Aid, as well as the Life- boat Samuel Morrison Collins stationed at Broadstairs, put off and found the s.s. Skandinavian, of Gothenburg, ashore on the North Sand Head, Goodwin Sands. The services of both boat's crews were engaged to try to get the vessel a"float. Some of the cargo was thrown overboard, an anchor and chain were got ready to carry but, and at 10.30 the steam-tug passed her tow-rope to the vessel's quarter, and began to tow her. She continued towing until 12.15, when the tug Anglia of London arrived, and having been also engaged to assist, she attached her hawser, and both tugs towed until 1.45, and succeeded in altering the position of the vessel; then finding no further use in towing any longer as the tide was falling, the hawsers were slipped, the Vulcan backed towards the vessel, took an anchor on board, and towed it out in an easterly direction.

During low water more of the cargo was thrown overboard, and at 11.30 P.M. both tugs again took hold of the vessel and towed her, while those on board hove on the anchor. At 12.30 she came afloat, and was then towed to Gravesend and moored at the buoys at 12.45 P.M. During the time she was ashore she struck very heavily, damaging the after part of her hull to such an extent, that the after- compartment was full of water, and the rudder so much damaged that she could not steer. The ship was bound from Gothenburg to Bordeaux with a cargo of iron, deals, and paper pulp, and had a crew of 14 men and 2 women on board.

EA. — The Albert Edward Life-boat was launched at 2 A.M. on the 27th January, during a heavy S.S.W. gale, signals of distress having been shown by a vessel, which had stranded about a mile and a half to leeward of the Gunfleet Sand. She was found to be the s.s. Haw- thorn, of, and for, London, bound from the North with coal. At the master's request three of the Life-boatmen were left on board the steamer to help to throw some of the cargo overboard, and the boat returned ashore and telegraphed to Har- wich for a steam-tug. On the Life-boat again arriving at the vessel, it was found that she had backed off the sand ; the three { Life-boat men were therefore taken into the boat, and she returned to her station.

Shortly before 1 P.M. on the 17th April a brig was observed on the Swin Middle Sand. No distress signal could be seen, but the dangerous position of the vessel was considered sufficient to warrant the launching of the Life-boat. The Albert Edward therefore put off, and proceeded under double-reef canvas, through a heavy E. gale, to the vessel, which proved to be' the Thorley, of Hartlepool, coal laden.

Her hull was under water, and she was fast breaking up, and evidence of the hurried departure of the crew, for she had been abandoned, led the Life-boatmen to suppose that they had left in their own boat, and had been picked up by a passing vessel. The Life-boat then proceeded towards the Middle Light, but seeing no signal she returned to her station.

At about midnight the Coastguard re- ported that rockets were being fired by the Maplin Light, and afterwards signals from the Swin Middle were seen. The Life-boat again proceeded out under double-reef sails, with a heavy E. wind and a high sea, to the Lightship, and found that the crew of the Thorley, con- sisting of 8 men, had taken refuge there, and were anxious to be brought ashore.

With much difficulty they were got into the Life-boat and brought safely to Clacton, arriving there at about 10.15. The brig, which was 104 years old, quickly became a total wreck.

PENARTH. — A bright flare light was seen in the roadstead at 1 A.M. on the 27th January, during squally weather, the wind blowing from W. and N.W.

The Joseph Denman Life-boat proceeded in the direction of the light, and fell in with the brigantine Juan de la Vega, of Corunna, bound from Sado to Cardiff with a cargo of pitwood. She was in tow of a steam-tug, and in charge of some Cardiff hobblers. The coxswain and two of the crew of the Life-boat went on board, and the boat remained alongside until 8.30 A.M., when she returned ashore, the vessel having anchored in the Upper Pool to await docking.

SOUTHPORT, LANCASHIRE.—Shortly be- fore 12 o'clock on the night of the 26th January, during a heavy gale from the W.N.W., rockets were fired, and a bright light was shown by a vessel in distress.

With the utmost speed the crew of the Eliza Ferriley Life-boat were summoned, horses were obtained, and efforts made to launch the boat, but owing to the dark- ness and the violence of the wind, which drove the sea to a fearful height and dashed the spray in all directions, this was a work of considerable difficulty.

The six horses harnessed to the carriage were unable to get it into the angry sea, and refused to go sufficiently deep to permit of a launch; the crew also lent their aid, but all to no purpose. The men, besides being wet to the skin and shivering with cold, had to stand the fury of two or three terrific storms of hail.

In response to the lights sent up by the vessel, the coxswain of the Life-boat fired four rockets. Additional horses having been obtained, the Life-boat was eventually got afloat, and proceeded on her mission of mercy. Notwithstanding the fatigue of the early part of the night, the Life- boatmen worked with a will, forgetting all their difficulties in the one desire to rescue those in distress. The wind was by this time terrific in its fury, and some of the gusts were of such fearful violence that they almost overturned the boat.

She behaved splendidly, and after the crew had worked until they were almost exhausted, the anchor was cast. At about a quarter past 12 the boat again headed for the ship, which was high and dry on the Horse Bank, and as the sea had gone down considerably with the abatement of the wind, the endeavours to pull to the bank were successful; the shipwrecked men made for the Life-boat and were taken on board. The boat at once made for the shore, her arrival being anxiously waited for by thousands of people who thronged the promenade and pier, and who greeted the crew with cheer after cheer. The stranded vessel proved to be the Norwegian barque Sjornstjerna Bjdr- nson, bound from South Carolina for Liverpool with a cargo of cotton and phosphor guano, having on board a crew of 10 men and a pilot.

At about 11 o'clock on the following morning the Life-boat again put off to the assistance of the barque Nereus, of Liver- pool, bound from Barrow-in-Furness to Queensland with a cargo of steel rails.

Her cargo had shifted during severe gales, and while trying to receive a tug's hawser she came into collision with her, both vessels being damaged. She then endea- voured to make for Barrow, but, finding that impossible, she made her way for Liverpool. When close to the Bar Light- ship she was taken in tow by a steamer, and afterwards took a pilot on board.

Just over the bar the wind suddenly shifted, and blew so strong that the steamer could not tow the vessel against the tide and wind; the pilot then ordered the vessel out to sea, but she became unmanageable, and, after drifting about for a long time, she fired rockets. The Life-boat with much difficulty, being re- peatedly driven back from the vessel just as she was nearing her, eventually suc- ceeded in resetting her crew of 24 men and a pilot, and brought them safely ashore.

GIRVAN, AYRSHIRE.—A bright light was seen from Ailsa Craig on the evening of the 28th Jannary, and as it was under- stood to be a signal for help, the Sir Home Popham Life-boat was launched, and after a hard struggle of seven hours against an adverse wind and heavy sea, reached the Craig. It was found that no vessel was in distress, but that one of the only two men resident on the island had, by the violence of a storm, been blown over the Craig, and had been severely injured. The Life-boat crew took the poor man into their Boat and landed him at Girvan, where medical attendance was promptly obtained for him.

CAISTER, NORFOLK.—At noon on the 30th January the No. 1 Life-boat Covent Garden put off to the assistance of the schooner Sarnian Gem, of Guernsey, bound from Guernsey to London with stone, she having apparently lost all her sails. The Life-boat boarded her in the Wold, and found that she had lost both her anchors in the Downs and had her sails split. The services of the Life-boatmen were offered and accepted, and a steam-tug having been procured, the vessel was towed to a place of safety.

Large flares were seen in the direction of the Cross .Sand at 5.30 A.M. during a fresh breeze from the S.W. on the 1st February, and the Cockle Lightship fired guns and rockets. The No. 1 Life-boat was promptly launched, sailed to the sand, and found the schooner Mizpah, of Dover, ashore there. The Life-boat remained by the vessel until she floated, when her assistance not being required she returned to her station.

FlSHGUARD, PEMBROKESHIRE.' In re- sponse to a signal of distress hoisted by the smack Three Sisters, of Cardigan, bound from Aberporth to Swansea in ballast, the No. 2 Life-boat Helen of Foxley proceeded to her assistance at 11.30 A.M. on the 2nd February. A fresh gale from the N.E.

was blowing, accompanied by a heavy sea, and as the smack's crew, consisting of 3 men, were afraid that the vessel would go down at her anchors, they were taken into the Life-boat and brought ashore.

The barque Maxima, of Swansea, bound from Cardiff to Valparaiso with a cargo of coal, showed a signal of distress at 7.45 P.M. on the 21st February during a gale from the S.W. and a rough sea. The No. 2 Life-boat went to her assistance, and found she was on her beam ends, her cargo having shifted. It transpired that on the previous night, when about thirty miles W. of the Smalls, she encountered the full force of the hurricane then blow- ing; her decks were completely swept fore and aft; her compasses, boats, &c., were carried away, and her sails were much torn. The second mate unfortu- nately fell from the topsail-yard and was lost, and several of the crew were injured and incapacitated. At the request of the master, three of the Life-boatmen were put on board the vessel to assist the dis- abled crew.

Soon after midnight on the 28th Feb- ruary, during a fresh gale from the S.E. and a rough sea, the Coastguard watchman reported that a vessel was burning signals of distress in the roadstead. The cox- swain of the Life-boat immediately assem- bled his crew, who launched the No. 1 Life-boat Sir Edward Perrott, and found that the signals were shown by the smack Rapid, of and for Cardigan, from Milford, with a cargo of culm. She had entered the roadstead under close reef canvas, and anchored about half a mile to windward of the smack Topaz. Both her anchors were let go, and all possible chain was given, but she drove right across the bows of the Topaz, and coming in contact with that vessel's chain, the Sapid started her rudder case, and began to leak badly.

After getting clear, it was found impos- sible to keep her afloat. Her crew of 3 men were therefore taken into the Life- boat and safely landed, the vessel soon after going down.

CARDIGAN.—:During a gale from the S.W. on the 9th February the schooner Alexander, of Beaumaris, bound from Port Dinorwic for Carmarthen with a cargo of slates, ran for Cardigan Bay, and brought up off the Black Rocks outside the Bar.

She was watched during the night, and on the following morning the wind sud- denly shifted to the N.W. during a very heavy snow-storm, the sea running ex- ceedingly [high. The vessel was riding by two anchors, with all cable out, and the master, fearing that she would either go down or part her cables, hoisted signals of distress, in reply to which the Lizzie and Charles Leigh Clare Life-boat put off at about 11.30 and brought ashore the crew of 4 men. There were a large num- ber of people on the cliffs watching the performance of this service who were loud in their praises of the behaviour of both Boat and crew.

GROOMSPORT, Co. DOWN.—At 1.30 P.M.

on the 12th February in reply to signals the Life-boat Florence proceeded to the aid of the steamer Emily, of Sunderland, which had stranded on the Bridge's Eeef during a moderate W.S.W. wind. 5 of the crew were taken into the Life-boat, which then returned ashore, the remainder of the crew refusing to leave the vessel, and some Coastguardsmen also remaining on board her. 4 of her crew had pre-viously been landed by a pilot boat. It blew a very heavy gale from S.S.W. all day with rain and wild squalls, the sea being very wild and broken, and at 7 P.M. a flash light was shown from the ship, and the Life-boat again proceeded to her, and brought ashore the captain, mate, and two men.

MOELFRE, ANGLESEY.—On the 12th February a very heavy gale from the S. by W. was experienced, and a large fleet of steamers and sailing craft took refuge in the bay. The storm increased in fury, and the schooner Elizabeth Anne, of Car- narvon, and another schooner hailing from Runcorn, both, laden with. salt, came in collision, and were in great danger of sinking each other. The Lady Vivian Life-boat put off at 5 P.M. through a very high sea, and succeeded in saving the two schooners and one man who was on board the Elizabeth Anne. Such was the force of the wind and sea that it was quite an hour before the Life-boat could reach the en- tangled vessels in order to render assistance.