On the 26th August a message by telephone was received from the South Stack Lighthouse, reporting that a schooner about six miles distant was signalling for assistance. The steam Life-boat Duke of Northumberland left her moorings at 12.20 P.M., and proceeded through a very heavy sea, a strong gale blowing from N.W., to the vessel, which was found to be the Mabel, of and from Bideford, laden with clay for Runcorn. She, however, succeeded in getting into the harbour without any help. The Life-boat then went to the s.s. Barbadian, of Liverpool, homeward bound, in ballast, from Cape Town. Her engines had broken down, and she had anchored about half a mile from the end of the breakwater, in a very dangerous position. Two tugs were in attendance, and at the request of the master the Life-boat stood by and rendered assistance in taking lines to the tugs in order to get the hawsers on board, and in other ways, not leaving the vessel until she was taken safely into the harbour..