CLACTON-ON-SBA, ESSEX.—A severe north-westerly gale was experienced off Clacton on the morning of the 15th March accompanied by a rough sea.

About 8.15 A.M. a vessel was seen drifting towards the Gunfleet Sands.

Information was at once conveyed to the Life - boat authorities, and the Assistant Honorary Secretary, on seeing the vessel was getting into a dangerous position, decided to launch the Life-boat Albert Edward.

This was done shortly after 9 A.M., and on coming tip with the vessel, she was found to be the ketch Crania, of Brixham, but no one was on board.

The Coxswain, without delay, put some men. on her, and sail having been set, a start was made to take her to Brightlingsea.

On the way they fell in with the owner, who had come out in a smack, and he accepted the offer of the Coxswain to see the ketch into safety.

As soon as the ketch was under weigh the Life-boat returned to her station; during .the whole of the time she was afloat her behaviour evoked the greatest praise, the local authorities speaking in the highest terms of her performance..