CAISTER, NORFOLK, AND SUFFOLK. — On the 14th May at 3 A.M. the watchmen saw the flash and heard the report of a gun fired at sea N. of the Cross Sand. A strong breeze was blowing from the N., the sea was moderate, but afterwards became rough, and the weather which had been foggy was then fine. A yawl put off and sailed to the vessel in distress, and the No. 1 Life-boat Covent Garden was launched. On reaching the vessel, which was the s.s. Cambria, of and from Dundee bound for London, with a general cargo, it was found that she had been in collision with a steam-collier, and being badly damaged had been run on the North shoal of the Cross Sand.

The master of the Cambria engaged the yawl to proceed to the light-vessel to take off the steamer's passengers, who had been put on board for safety by means of one of the ship's boats, and he requested that the Life-boat might remain by him.

The yawl sailed to the light-ship, took off the seventeen persons, of whom two were women and some children, then called for the second mate of the Cambria and sailed for Yarmouth. During this time every effort had been made to save the vessel, but without success, and when the yawl returned at 3 P.M. the master sent fifteenof his crew -with their effects by her to Yarmouth. The Life-boat kept near the ship, but a N.W. wind sprung up and the sea increased, and at 2 A.M. the master and the remainder of the crew took to their boat and sheered off to the Life-boat which was riding clear with a rope fast to the steamer. Seven of the men were taken into the Life-boat, which then made for Yarmouth harbour, towing the ship's boat, in which the master and one man remained to steer her and to tend the tow-line.

In response to signals the Life-boat Marie Lane, stationed at Gorleston, also put off to the assistance of the vessel, and remained by her for some time in readiness to render any service that might be required..