LONGHOPE, ORKNEY ISLANDS.—The s.s.

Victoria, of Sunderland, 1960 tons, bound from Hamburg for New York with a general cargo, was seen about five miles N.

of Dunnet Head Lighthouse with signals of distress, while a heavy gale was blowing from the N.W., accompanied by a tremendous sea and snow showers on the 3rd March. The Life-boat Dickinson Edleston was launched at 4.30 P.M., and on reaching the vessel found that she was sinking, and that her fires had been extinguished. Her crew, consisting of twenty-two men, were taken into the Lifeboat, the boat receiving a slight injury in effecting the rescue, and landed soon after midnight at Widewall, in South Konaldshay, it being found to be utterly impossible to regain Longhope, owing to the tremendous sea and adverse tide. The Life-boat men were compelled to remain at Widewall Bay until the gale somewhat abated and the boat was enabled to return home, arriving at 1.30 P.M. on the 5th March.

This service was an extremely hazardous one, and great gallantry was displayed by BENJAMIN STOUT, the coxswain, who is a daring and skilful seaman, and the crew of the Life-boat. The Silver Medal of the Institution, accompanied by a copy of the vote inscribed on vellum, was awarded to the coxswain. An extra pecuniary reward was also granted by the Institution to the coxswain and crew,'and the owners of the steamer to which the service was rendered generously presented the sum of 211. to the men. Eleven of the rescued men were German sailors, and in recognition of the service rendered to them His Majesty the Emperor of Germany presented, through the Foreign Office, a handsome gold watch bearing Ms portrait and monogram surmounted by the imperial arms, to BENJAMIN STOUT, and a grant of 24Z. to the crew of the boat.

The following gratifying letter, in connection with this service, was published in The Shipping Gazette:— SIE,—We, the undersigned, on behalf of the whole of the crew of the steamer Victoria, of Sunderland, desire publicly toconvey our heartfelt thanks to the 14 men who, on the afternoon of the 3rd instant, put off from Longhope in the Life-boat in the most terrible weather, and rescued us from our vessel when she was not only in a sinking condition, but, as circumstances subsequently proved, was fast driving ashore near Dunnet Head, where we are sure there was not the faintest hope of rescue. Their timely and gallant aid was attended with the utmost danger, for which no thanks can fully express our gratitude. Yours, &c., JAMBS HAEBISON, Master.

J. K. SCABBOEOUGH, Mate.

M. WOODWABD, Steward.

DAVID BANKEN, Second Engineer..