On the following night, while the schooner Esther Ann, of Belfast, bound from Dublin for Wexford with a cargo of wheat, was attempting to beat up Dublin river during rough threatening weather, her top-sail split as she was passing the North Bull Lighthouse, and she then anchored. The wind increased during the night to a whole gale, with a heavy sea, and at daylight the vessel was observed to be showing a signal of distress, and appeared to be in a very dangerous position. The Life-boat Aaron Stark Byrnes put off to her assistance, and after much difficulty succeeded in getting alongside her and taking off the master's wife and two children. The master and crew decided to remain on board the vessel, which was ultimately towed to Dublin..