RAMSGATE,NORTH DEAL AND WALMER In response to signals fired by the North Sand Head and Gull Light-vessels, the Life-boats Bradford, of Ramsgate, Mary Sommerville, stationed at North Deal, and Civil Service No. 4, of Walmer, were launched on the night of the 21st April.

A moderate wind was blowing and the sea was smooth. On reaching the Goodwin Sands, search was made, and at about 1 o'clock in the morning the barque Madeline Rickmers of Bremerhaven, was discovered stranded on the inner part of the North Sand. The Life-boat men lent a hand at throwing overboard about hundred and fifty tons of her cargo of rice, a kedge anchor and warp was laid out, and at 10.15 tow-ropes were taken to the steam-tug Bradford of Ramsgate harbour, which had, as usual, towed out the Ramsgate Life-boat,and the steam-tug Trafalgar.

After towing about a couple of hours the vessel came off the sands and was taken to a safe anchorage in the Downs.