LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

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Thomas and Bluejacket

CAISTER, NORFOLK.—Signals having been fired by the Cockle Light-vessel on the 16th January, the Life-boat Beauchamp was launched at 7.15 P.M.

A light breeze was then blowing from S.S.W., the sea was moderate and the weather thick. Having crossed the Barber Sand the Life-boat steered for the Cockle, when flares were seen in a W. direction, shown by two vessels in collision, one lying across the bows of the other. As a strong ebb tide was running, the Life-boat dropped her anchor and veered down to the vessels, which proved to be the schooner Thomas of.Lowestoft, laden with coal, and the ketch Bluejacket of Blakeney, light. Some of the Lifeboat men boarded them, and after about an hour's work succeeded in getting them clear of each other. The ketch was towed to Yarmouth harbour by the tug Meteor, the Life-boat being towed astern.

The Life-boat subsequently returned to the other vessel and remained by her until 11 P.M., when she was able to sail for Lowestoft, several of the Life-boat men remaining on board to assist as she was leaking considerably..