ATHERFIELD, ISLE OF WIGHT.—On the 19th February, in a temporary break of an intensely thick fog, the coxswain of the Life-boat saw a large ship strike on Atherfleld ledge. He at once called the crew together and at about 7 P.M. the Life-boat Catherine Swift was launched.

The captain of the vessel, the full-rigged ship Alcester, of Liverpool, laden with jute from Calcutta for Hamburg, stated that he did not need any assistance then, and arranged to signal if he should require help. The Life-boat, therefore, returned ashore. On the following morning the fog had cleared, but there was an exceptionally heavy ground swell.

The ship signalled for the Life-boat, which at 1.30 P.M. was launched, proceeded to her and in two trips brought ashore twenty men and their clothes, and other belongings, amongst which were two monkeys, a dog and a cat. The captain and mate declined to leave the vessel.

Daring the night the wind increased to half a gale with a very heavy sea which at high water swept over the vessel compelling them to take refuge in the rigging.

The Life-boat, as soon as practicable, proceeded to their rescue and safely landed them. The vessel afterwards parted amidships and ultimately fell to pieces..