LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

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The Earl Beaconsfield, of Glasgow

WEXFORD.—At about 8th Feb. 1884, telegrams were received stating that a large fourmast ship was ashore on the Pollock Rocks n Fethard Bay. The wind was blowing a whole gale from the south and the sea was very heavy. Horses were procured as soon as possible, and the Life-boat Richard and Anne was taken to Fethard, a distance of seven or eight miles over a rough road and was launched after great difficulty, the sea sometimes washing over the Boat and crew. She proceeded in the direction of the stranded vessel, which was about 'our miles out, but she was driven back in the heavy seas. Two of her crew were then landed, their places being taken by others, and the boat, after waiting an hour at Fethard, again proceeded to sea, and was then successful in reaching the vessel. Her crew, consisting of 33 men, were then taken into the Life-boat and landed at Fethard. The vessel proved to be the Earl Beaconsfield, of Glasgow, 2000 tons, bound from Glasgow to San Francisco with coal and a general cargo.

The Life-boatmen, who were very much exhausted, did not get back to their homes until 9 P.M. on the 14th February, having been on duty for nearly twenty-six hours.