RAMSGATE. — In response to signals from the Goodwin and Gull Light-vessels, the Life-boat Bradford, in tow of the steam-tug Aid, left the harbour at 10 P.M.

on the 30th January. The wind was blowing strongly from E.N.E., afterwards increasing to a gale, there was a veryheavy sea and the weather was thick, with heavy snow squalls. The s.s. Beacon Light, of Liverpool, bound from New York for Bremerhaven, with a cargo of petroleum, was found riding with two anchors down, about five miles from the East Goodwin. The Life-boat was towed alongside, slipped from the tug, got hold ofropes from the steamer, and finding she had lost her propeller, the Life-boat men agreed to remain by her until the tug was able to take her in tow. They remained astern until daylight, when the tug made several attempts to get a line on board but the heavy seas frustrated all endeavours to do so until about 8 A.M.

when the wire tow-rope was passed on board and the vessel was towed up to her anchors. When these had been hove upthe towing was continued in the direction of the Downs for about an hour. The tow-rope then parted but was hauled in and again passed to the vessel by the Life-boat. It, however, parted again.

Signals were then made for more assistance and the Life-boat proceeded to Dover to procure another tug. The Dover tug at once went out to the vessel and the Life - boat, which had been damaged by the heavy seas and was leaking badly, remained at Dover. The Aid, having her machinery damaged, was unable to render further help, and returned to harbour at 8 P.M. on the 81st January, the Beacon Light, in tow of the Dover tug, reaching the Downs at aboutmidnight. The injury to the Life-boat was received soon after she left the harbour but, although she was full of water, the crew remained in her for eighteen hours in a very heavy sea and bitterly cold weather..