A large number of fishing-boats were running for the harbour during a heavy gale of wind from the S.W. and a rough sea, on the morning of the 24th of April.

At 8 o'clock the Dora was launched, and remained afloat eight hours, assisting and indicating the best course for the boats to take, the entrance to the harbour being greatly impeded by the steamer Bansome, which had sunk at its mouth. Happily the boats, notwithstanding the tremendous seas they had to encounter, got into the harbour without any casualty occurring.

At noon on the following day the Lifeboat was again taken out and piloted some other fishing-boats, which were making for the harbour, the entry to which was still attended with danger, the sunken steamer having broken up.

In connection with these services, the following letter appeared in the Cornishman :— " SIB, "Permit me through your columns to express the thanks of the fishermen who ran to Penzance harbour in the storm of Friday last to those through whom the Life-boat was manned and made ready in the case of an emergency. Under the most favourable circumstances, taking the harbour in such a heavy sea was a highly dangerous performance, but the danger was intensified by the obstruction the Bansome offered.

" The greatest care had to be exercised to get the boat through the confusion of fishing craft running into the harbour, and the greatest risk of her being smashed was run. Nevertheless she was got into a position to render assistance, if necessary.

"Fortunately her services were not required further, though several boats had narrowescapes.

As one of those who ran in at this critical time, I can say the presence of the Life-boat inspired us with confidence; therefore we give thanks to the authorities and crew.

"Yours, &c., " A NEWLTN FISHERMAN.

"Newlyn, 28ft April, 1885.".