SUNDERLAND, NORTH DOCK.—While a strong N.N.E. gale was blowing, accompanied by a very rough sea and torrents of sleet and rain, on the 26th October, the ketch Emma Walker, of Sunderland, laden with coal for Wick, attempted to enter the harbour, but got too far southwards, became nnma.nit.mable, and stranded between the old south pier and the new south breakwater.

Communication was effected by means of the rocket apparatus, but the crew of two men and a boy were unable to make use of it and called for the Life-boat. The Life-boat George Woofindin was launched at 11.45 P.M., Commander THOMAS HOLMES, R.N., Inspector of Life-boats in the Eastern District, who was on a visit of inspection at the station, going out in the Boat. In consequence of the darkness of the night and no lights being shown by the vessel, the Life-boat had great difficulty in finding her. After rowing about for nearly two hours, the Life-boat crew succeeded in rescuing the men, but were too much exhausted to return ashore against the heavy seas. The Boat therefore anchored, and rode until about 3.30 A.M., when there was sufficient depth of water for a tug to approach her and take her in tow.

She returned home at about 3.45.

Only the good seamanship of the Coxswain and his crew saved the Lifeboat from being totally wrecked, as the current was very strong. Indeed, so great was the danger that a body of the life-brigade stood on the breakwater with life-lines, expecting every minute to see the Boat dashed to pieces against the masonry. In recognition of their good service on the occasion of this, the first service of this Life-boat, which had only recently been placed at the station, an extra reward was granted to the crew, and the Committee of Management expressed their thanks to Commander HOLMES for his services in going out in the Boat..