LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

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The S.S. Hylton

ALDEBURGH.—In response to messages by telephone received on the 15th February while a whole gale was blowing from S. by W., the Eeserve Life-boat, temporarily placed at this station, was launched at 10.30 P.M. Terrific seas were breaking on the beach; in fact, they are stated to have been the heaviest ever witnessed on this coast, and they extended as far outwards as the eye could see, but the Life-boat men did not hesitate one moment, and after gallantly crossing the shoals, encountered a tremendous sea in crossing Sizewell Bank to reach the spot where the vessel had been reported in distress. Nothing, however, could be seen owing to the blinding rain and sleet, so the boat anchored just inside the bank and burned lights. She received no reply until about 4 A.M. when two rockets were sent up about half a mile northward. Proceeding in that direction, the Life-boat men found the p.s. Hylton, of London, riding in a very dangerous position in five fathoms of water, having lost her rudder and propeller. The master stated that the vessel had been aground on Sizewell Bank and those on board, twenty-one men in all, had had a fearful experience, the seas breaking clean over-the ship, washing the hatches off and smashing the starboard Life-boat. The weather moderating, the Life-boat left two of her crew oh board the steamer, proceeded to Lowestoft, and having secured the services of steam-tugs returned with them, and the vessel was towed to Gravesend, the Life-boat accompanying her..