LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

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Services of the Life-Boats of the Royal National Life-Boat Institution

CAHORE, Co. WEXFORD.—A messenger arrived at this Life-boat Station from Morris Castle, distant about three Irish miles south, on the evening of the 17th May, and reported that a vessel was stranded on the Blackwater Bank. The Life-boat John Brooke was launched at 8.30 in a strong N.E. breeze, proceeded in the direction indicated, and found that the vessel bad floated off the bank and had grounded on the Bam Shoal. The seas were breaking over her, and also over the Life-boat whilst she rescued the crew, consisting of five men. She was the Jewess, of and for Wexford bound for Dublin, with a cargo of malt.

On the 2nd November, when the dense thickness which had prevailed during the early part of the morning cleared, a steamer was observed ashore on the Button rocks. The Life-boat was very promptly launched and found the vessel was the Frederic®, of St. Johns, bound from Working ton for Brazil with a cargo of steel rails. Some of the Life-boat men boarded her, assisted to get her afloat, and with the help of a steam-tag she was taken beyond the Blackwater Light- KESSINGLAND,—At about 2 o'clock on the afternoon of the 18th May the schooner -Kate and Elizabeth, of Forts- mouth, stranded on the Barnard Sand, in a fresh breeze from the N.E., drizzling rain and a rough sea. The No. 1 Life- boat Bolton was promptly launched, and rescued the master, his daughter and the crew of four men from the vessel, which became a total wreck. The wind and tide being then against the Life-boat she signalled for a steam-tug. One of the Lowestoft tugs was despatched to her and towed her to Lowestoft, where the rescued persons were landed, the boat returning to her station the following morning.

TYNEMOUTH.—At about 12.45 P.M. on the 25th May alarm guns were fired from the Spanish Battery indicating a vessel in distress. Crowds of people at once rushed to places from which the harbour could be seen, and observed that a steamer was stranded OH the Black Middens; she was in an imminently dangerous position, as the wind was blowing strongly from the N.E. and the heavy seas were making a clean breach over her. Two rockets were fired from Tynemouth, one of which carried a line across the vessel, and all the Life-boats at the month of the river were speedily manned and launched. The Tynemouth No. 1 Life- boat Forester, belonging to the Institution, was the first to reach the vessel, and at the request of the captain, who handed a rope to the coxswain, remained alongside until the ship was towed off by several steam-tugs and taken into the harbour.

She was the s.s. Napier, of North Shields, bound from New York for the Tyne, with a general cargo.

MABLETHORPE, LINCOLNSHIRE. — The Life-boat Heywood was launched at mid- night on the 1st June, in a heavy sea and a fresh E. wind, to the assistance of the schooner Eagle, of Portmadoc, which had stranded at Saltfleet. The boat was pulled out clear of the breakers and then sailed to the vessel, which was bound from Newcastle for Santos, laden with machinery. Her crew of six men were landed by the Life-boat, but the master refused to leave. When the tide receded the ship was left dry and he was then able to walk ashore.

NEWHAVEN AND EASTBOURNE. — The paddle-steamer Normandy, of and for Newhaven from Dieppe, with 130 passen- gers and a general cargo, stranded on a reef of rocks called the Ledge, opposite Holywell, near Eastbourne, in a dense fog, a light S. wind and a smooth sea, on the 26th June. As it was known that a large number of persons were on board the vessel it was considered desirable that the Life-boats should proceed to her so as to be at hand if their services were needed. The Michael Henry left Newhaven at 8 A.M., and the Eastbourne boat William and Mary was launched soon afterwards, and both boats remained by the steamer until with the aid of a tug she was extri- cated from her dangerous position and proceeded for her destination.

EASTBOURNE.—The Life-boat William and Mary was launched at 1.45 P.M. on the 31st August to the assistance of the fishing-cutter Mystery, of Brixham, while a strong S.S.W. wind was blowing accom- panied by a rough sea. The vessel had struck on the Boulder Bank a little to the westward of the pier-head. She got over the bank into deeper water and then knocked against the inside of the reef and stranded. Her crew of four men and a boy took to their boat and were met by the Life-boat, but did not need any help.

They stated that the vessel had a large quantity of water in her, the mast was sprung just above the deck and they feared that it would fail The Life-boat then proceeded to the smack, which had been boarded by two watermen and had been taken through a gap in the reef into the offing. The Life-boat overtook her about two miles from the shore, some of the Life-boat men boarded her, and she was taken into Dover harbour.

On the morning of the 1st December rockets were fired from the Royal Sovereign Light-vessel. The Life-boat put off, and on reaching the light-ship found that one of her crew had fallen from the shrouds attached to the shaft on which the light revolves, a height of 35 feet, and had been seriously injured. He was taken into the Life-boat, and on reaching the shore medical attendance was obtained and he was taken to the Princess Alice Hospital.

WALTON-ON-THE-NAZE.—Signals having been hoisted at the Gunfleet light-vessel denoting that immediate assistance was required, on the 27th June, the Life-boat Honourable Artillery Company was launched at 6.13 P.M. in a moderate sea and a W.S.W. wind, and steered for the Swin, where she fell in with a steamer, and was towed to windward of the vessel in distress, which was the brig St. George, of Guernsey, bound from London for Shields, laden with chalk, and which had stranded about two and a half miles from the Gunfleet Light. She was then high and dry and the Life-boat had to wait two hours before she could get to her. Several boatmen were in charge and were throwing out the cargo so as to lighten her, and with, the help of a steam- ing she was got afloat at high water, the Life-boat remaining by her until she was out of danger.

NORTH DEAL. — The Life-boat Mary Somermlle was called out by signals fired by the Gull Light-vessel in a strong breeze to a moderate gale and a heavy sea at about 9 on the morning of the 2nd August, and proceeded to the s.s.trawler Euphrates, of Hull, bound from Liverpool to Great Yarmouth, which had stranded on the Goodwin Sands. The Life-boat men assisted to get the vessel afloat at high water at about 9.30 P.M., and she was able to resume her voyage almost immediately afterwards, arriving at Yarmouth at 11.25 on the following morning. She carried a crew of eight men, and the master's wife was also on board.

On the 11th November, while the wind was blowing a whole gale from the S.S.W., the ketch Thistle of Plymouth, was observed on the Brake Sand. The Life- boat put off at about 2.30 P.M., and proceeded to the vessel through very heavy broken seas. On nearing her it was seen that she had knocked over the sand and that her crew had taken to their boat. The Life-boat was skilfully maneuvered by her gallant coxswain and crew so as to bring the ship's boat on the lee side and lessen the probability of her capsizing. The crew, five in number, were then rescued by the Life-boat and landed at Broadstairs, the boat, which had sprung her foremast, being compelled to remain there until the following morning.

RHYL.—On the evening of the 2nd August a rowing-boat named the Oregon, of Rhyl, was seen to capsize near the end of the pier. The wind was blowing from the W.N.W. and the weather was fine, but there was a choppy sea. Fearing that the occupants, fifteen in number, of the boat would be unable to reach the shore, the coastguard on duty at once fired a signal rocket, in response to which the Life-boat Jane Martin was launched and towed the boat back to Rhyl, those who had been on board her having fortunately been able to gain the land with the help of persons on the shore.

The s.s. Fawn, of Liverpool, was seen approaching the mouth of the river Clwyd in a strong gale from the W.S.W., squally weather, and a rough sea on the night of the 31st August. It was after- wards noticed that she was not making any headway, and ultimately she fired blue lights and rockets, in response to which the Life-boat Jane Martin proceeded to her assistance and found that a hawser had become entangled with her propeller. As a precautionary measure the Life-boat in two trips landed the passengers, fifty in number, and on the following tide the vessel safely entered the river.

SCARBOROUGH. — While the herring fleet was making for the harbour on the morning of the 6th August, in fine weather with very little wind, a very heavy sea ra- pidly sprung up. The boats were eagerly watched, and at about 10.45 the Life-boat Queembury put off to the rescue, went to a lugger which had dragged her anchor and stranded OD the beach, and *an a warp from her to the pier. It was then seen that another lugger, the Minnie, of Lowestoft, was fast driving ashore near Ramsdale Scar; the Life-boat at once made for her, and, finding that she was fast filling with water, took off her crew, consisting of seven men and a boy, and safely landed them. The Life-boat re- mained out until 1.45, and rendered valuable aid to several other boats by running topes to them and assisting them in various ways.

CEMAES, ANGLESEY.—Intelligence having been received that the sailing-boat Gladys and two rowing-boats had been blown out to sea, and were in great danger about two miles from the shore, during half a gale of wind from the S.W. on the 11th August, the crew of the Life-boat George Evans were at once summoned, the boat was launched at 2 P.M., and assisted the distressed boats to regain the shore. The prompt and gallant conduct of the Life-boatmen was greatly admired by hundreds of people who witnessed the service.

MONT-ROSE.—On the 21st August the herring fleet started for the fishing ground in favourable weather; but during the night the wind blew very strongly from the E.S.E., increasing to a moderate gale, while a very heavy sea broke across the bar. At about 10.30 A.M. the follow- ing morning, it being evident that none of the boats could attempt to cross the bar unless assistance were at hand, the Montrose No. 2 Life-boat Bessie Webster was launched, pulled over the bar, and remained out until the boats, twenty in number with 140 men on board, had safely entered the harbour. Seven of the boats were strangers to the port, and to these valuable help was afforded by the Life-boat men signalling the course they should take. One of them, an Irish boat, in the absence of this assistance, would have certainly met with disaster, as she was attempting to cross the "Leads," a dangerous ridge of rocks, instead of keeping in the channel.

TRAMORE, COUNTY WATERFORD.—The brigantine Albert, of Cork, bound from Newport for Youghal with a cargo of coal, stranded at Tramore in a strong S.W.

breeze, thick weather and rough sea, on the morning of the 25th August. The signal mortar was fired to summon the crew and launchers for the Life-boat, and, under very difficult circumstances, the Alfred Trower was launched, and suc- ceeded in rescuing the vessel's crew, con- sisting of seven men. Some of the crew and helpers did not hear the signal, and consequently were not present when their services were required. Volunteers, how- ever, rendered willing help, Capt. J. E. PIM, Messrs. JAMES McCoy and JAMES POWER gallantly taking the places of three of the crew; and assistance in effecting the launch being readily ren- dered by members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, prominent amongst whom was Constable SHABBY, who, in addition to assisting to launch the boat, volunteered to go out in her, and acted as bowman.

Mr. EDWARD JACOB, the Honorary Secre- tary of the Branch, rendered invaluable aid on the occasion, and very kind service was also performed by two ladies, who, on hearing the alarm, hurried to the sands, one of them carrying a lantern to give light to those who were dragging the boat.

ALDEBURGH.—Signal rockets were fired from the Coastguard Station at 9.10 A.M., on the 25th August, denoting a vessel in need of assistance. A moderate gale was blowing from the S.W., with rain, and there was a rough sea. The Life-boat Aldeburgh was promptly launched, and found two cutters, the Vesta and Ripple, belonging to Woodbridge, in distress in the bay. The crews of the two vessels, numbering in all seven men, were taken into the Life-boat, and were safely landed at 10.30.

On the 11th November, while a whole gale was blowing from the S.S.W., the barque Winnefred, of and from Laurvig for London, with wood, was seen coming north. She had lost her main and mizen masts, and had a flag flying in her fore- rigging. The Life-boat was promptly launched to the assistance of the vessel, which struck on a sandbank in the bay, and filled with water. Great difficulty and danger were experienced by the Life- boat men in taking off the crew, she having grounded on the outer edge of the shoal, on which a very heavy sea was breaking; but eventually the rescue was accom- plished, some of the men being taken from the jib-boom, and others having to be hauled through the surf into the boat, and at 4.30 she returned to her station with the shipwrecked crew of sixteen men and the pilot. The barque became a total wreck.

MOELFRE, ANGLESEY.—On the 31st of August the Life-boat Star of Hope was launched for practice in a strong S.W. gale and a moderate sea. Whilst cruising under canvas, signals of distress were seen to be shown by the schooner John and Jane, of Carnarvon, which was lying at anchor about two miles N.N.W. of Penmon Lighthouse. The Life-boat bore down on her, and the master stated that he feared the wind might shift more to the W.

during the night, and his vessel would, in that event, be in a very dangerous posi- tion, her head sails having been blown away. At his request, he was taken off to consult the Penmon pilots, and, having done so, was put on board his vessel again.

During a strong S. gale on the 13th October, signals of distress were shown by the schooner Thomas, of and from Liver- pool, for Amlwch, laden with coal, which was lying at anchor in Bed Wharf Bay.

The crew of the Life-boat were at once summoned, and at 4.30 P.M. the boat was launched and proceeded to the vessel.

She had lost most of her sails, and, as the crew were afraid that she would drag her anchors and be driven ashore, they were taken into the Life-boat and safely landed at 6 o'clock. They numbered three men.

Soon after the Life-boat had reached the shore, she was again called out by a signal of distress, shown by the schooner Catherine Latham, and found that that vessel also bad her sails carried away arid was in. danger of dragging her anchors. Her crew, consisting of four men, were therefore taken ashore.

On. the 16th October another gale was experienced, and at 2.30 P.M. signals of distress were shown by the schooners Catherine Lathnm and Sir Robert, which were anchored in Moelfre Bay. Their crews, numbering in all seven men, were taken into the Life-boat, and landed at Moelfre at 3.30.

GORLESTON, SUFFOLK.—The yawl Kate, of Liverpool, in trying to enter the har- bour on the 1st September in a strong breeze from the S.W. and a rough sea, was driven close to the North pier, A steam-tug took the yacht's tow-rope, but it broke; her own hawser was then attached, but it also parted, and the vessel drifted on to the North Sand. The No. 2 Life-boat Leicester put off to her assist- ance and rescued her crew, consisting of six men, and a beachman who had boarded her from a harbour boat. The vessel became a total wreck.

On the 5th October, flares were shown by the barque Toivo, of Nagu, bound from Uleaborg for London, which had grounded on the North Sand in a strong S. by W. breeze and a rough sea. Eight of the'Life-boat men went on board the vessel and assisted to jettison the cargo so as to lighten her; the services of a steam-tug were afterwards engaged, and the vessel was towed off the sand and taken into the harbour at high water, having lost her rudder whilst aground.

She had a crow of thirteen men.

A. severe gale from the S. with, a very heavy sea was experienced on the 13th October. At about 7 P.M. signals of dis- tress were observed in the direction of the Scroby Sand. No steam-tug was avail- able, and, in the opinion of many of those present, any attempt to cross the bar would prove disastrous. The Coxswain of the Life-boat, after consulting two pilots, who volunteered to accompany him, decided to make an attempt at all hazards, and the Life-boat was therefore manned and launched. With the assist- ance of men on the pier, the boat was tracked to the South pier head, and then proceeded under double-reefed storm-sails.

When, crossing the bar, a heavy sea broke on board, forcing the boat head to wind, but happily, she paid off, and got safely to sea, and found the ketch Ada, of and for Portsmouth, from Seaham, coal-laden, lying at anchor. She had struck twice on the Scroby Sand, and finding that the anchor would not hold, and that the vessel was leaking badly, the master had burned everything available, including blankets steeped in paraffin oil, in order to make known his need of assistance.

The pumps were again sounded, and, finding that the water was still gaining, the crew of four men were taken into the Life-boat, and landed at 3.45 A.M. The weather having moderated, the Life-boat afterwards returned to the vessel and took her into Yarmouth harbour.

The gallant conduct of the coxswain, the two pilots, and the crew of the Life- boat was most highly praised by all who witnessed the service. When the boat was struck by the heavy sea on the bar, she was for a time rendered invisible to those who were on the pier, and great anxiety was felt for her safety, for had she been driven on the North Sand the very worst was to be feared for the brave men who manned her.

" At 2 A.M. on the 23rd October, the Life- boat proceeded to the assistance of a schooner; bnt her services were not called into requisition. The boat regained her station at six o'clock, and had only been moored forty minutes when another call for her services was received. A brig, which proved to be the Star, of and for London from Hartlepool with coal, was seen, making for St. Nicholas Gatway with, her colours flying half mast high.

The mad was then blowing strongly from S.W. by S., and the sea was rough. The Life-boat was at once manned, went to the vessel, and found that she had lost both her anchors. Some of the Life-boat men went on board her to render assist- ance, and with the help of a steam-tug, she was taken to Yarmouth.

On the 31st October flares were seen in the direction of the Holme Sand during a fresh S.E. by S. breeze, and a moderate sea, and the Gorton lightship also fired guns and rockets. The Life-boat pro- ceeded out at 3.25 A.M. in tow of a steam- tug, and went to the Gorton light-vessel to ascertain where her services were re- quired. Just then the flares were again observed, and the Life-boat and steamer at once made for them, and found the barque Mirliton, bound from Christiania for Great Yarmouth with ice. She had got into shallow water near the outside part of the Holme Sand, where she had hove to. Some of the Life-boat men boarded her, all plain sail was set, and a course steered for the Gatway. On arriving in the roads the services of a pilot were obtained by the master, and the vessel was towed into the harbour.

HOLYHEAD.—A telegram was received at 8.50 A.M. on the 6th September, report- ing a vessel in distress half a mile from the South Stack. The signal for the Life- boat was at once fired, and in seven minutes the Thomas Fielden was launched, and proceeded through a very heavy sea to the schooner Eliza Bell, of Beaumaris, bound from Bray to Bangor in ballast, which had had both her masts carried away. A steam-tug took her in tow, and the Life-boat accompanied her into the harbour.

On the 19th September signals of dis- tress having been fired by the Skerries lighthouse, the Life-boat Thomas Fielden was launched at 3.30 A.M. in a moderate sea, a strong breeze, and hazy weather, and found that the signals had been made because the principal lightkeeper was very ill, and it was desired to send him ashore.

He was therefore taken into the Life-boat and landed at Holyhead.

While a strong gale was blowing from the S., accompanied by a very heavy sea, on the night of the 5th October, signals of distress were shown by the schooner Mary and Martha, bound from Queensferry for Dundalk, laden with bricks, which had lost her main sheet and was lying close to the breakwater. The Thomas Fielden Life-boat put off to her assistance at 10 o'clock, and brought the vessel's crew of four men ashore, landing them about midnight.

On the 13th October, a steamer was seen dragging her anchors in a whole gale and a rough sea. She collided with the schooner Margaret Jane, of Bangor, and drove across the bows of the Trinity steamer Stella. In response to signals of distress the Life-boat Thomas Fielden was taken out at 4 P.M., and proceeded to the scene of the disaster. The steamer by that time had steam up, and was able to extricate herself from her difficulties; but considerable damage had been done to the schooner, and one of her cables had parted. Her crew of three men, and the master's wife, were therefore taken into the Life-boat and brought to land.