NORTH DEAL.—While a moderate gale from N.N.W. was blowing, with a very heavy sea, on the morning of the 16th May, a boat, containing a lieutenant, five blue jackets and a marine, belonging to H.M.S. Research lying at anchor in the Downs, was seen apparently making for the shore. It was impossible for her to reach it, and as she was in a dangerous situation the Life-boat Mary Somerville was launched at 11.10 and went to her assistance. Having lost ground in rowing she had anchored when the Life-boat reached her, but her occupants declined assistance, bravely renewing again andagain their exertions at their oars but losing ground and again anchoring. The Life-boat remained out, and when the tide slacked the wind and sea increased, and she once more spoke the boat. The officer being desirous of obtaining a tow back to the vessel, the Life-boat tried to tow the boat back, but as the operation was attended with much : danger to the small boat, which was broadside to the sea, the attempt was abandoned; the Lifeboat got alongside and told the officer and his men that their only chance for safety was to abandon the boat or be towed by the Life-boat to Dover. They then got into the Life-boat, being in a more or less exhausted condition, two of the Life-boat men took their places in the boat, and a start was made for Dover; on arriving off the South Foreland the painter broke, but eventually Dover was safely reached and the night was spent there. In the morning the Dover steamtug took both the boats in tow, the small boat being taken back to the Research and the Life-boat returning to her station..