HARTLEPOOL.—On the 27th March the Life-boats Charles Ingleby and Cyclist were taken out three times with the view of assisting vessels which were in danger in a gale of wind backing from E.N.E. to N.E., accompanied by a very high sea.

The first vessel, the schooner Baltic, of Drammen, stranded behind West Hartlepool South Pier, where the seas were tremendous, the waves from seaward meeting those rebounding from the pier.

The crew of the Charles Ingleby made a gallant and determined effort to reach the schooner, but were driven back to within about a boat's length of the pier, some distance N. of the vessel. After regaining control of the boat, and it being impossible in such a sea to reach the vessel from where she then was, she endeavoured to get to windward; and while doing so, the first of a number of rockets was fired from the shore, the shipwrecked crew being eventually saved by means of the rocket apparatus. Saeing the hazardous -nature of the attempt made by the Charles Ingleby, and as other vessels were apparently in difficulties, it was decided to take out the Cyclist Life-boat, to be at hand if required. Another schooner, the Dagmar, was observed about to drop her anchor, with her topsail and other sail still set. The coxswain of the Charles Ingleby Life-boat fearing that the cable would part and the vessel would be driven ashore, advised the master to try to get between the piers into West Hartlepool Harbour. This advice he promptly followed, with the result that he just managed to get in, striking the North Pier a side blow, but saving his ship and crew. The two Life-boats then proceeded to the German barque Mermaid, and stood by her until with the assistance of a steam-tug she was got into the harbour.

The boats reached the harbour at 6.30, and an hour afterwards went out to the assistance of the schooner Vilfrid. A tugalso went to her but failed to get communication, after twice getting her line on board, as the vessel had no towrope to give the tug. The schooner drifted to leeward and struck close to the Baltic.

The Life-boats endeavoured to reach her, and the Cyclist, which was furthest out, was struck by several of the tremendous seas which were still breaking. The boat was compelled to lay head to sea, and signal for the assistance of the other Lifeboat; and while she was approaching, another heavy sea struck the Cyclist, breaking three of her oars. A rocket from the shore was fired over the vessel, and as her crew could then be taken off by the rocket apparatus, the Life-boats returned to the harbour at 8.15. As they passed the tug at the bar, they were informed that the light of another vessel making for the harbour had been seen.

Having taken in a fresh supply of spare oars for the Cyclist, the boats therefore again went out and searched the bay, but could find no trace of the reported vessel.

At 9.30 they returned to the harbour.

The crews landed, went round the cliffs, and looked out for the ship's light, but none could be seen. The Life-boats were moored in the harbour all night, so as to be immediately available if required, and were housed on the following morning..