ACKERGILL, CAITHNESS-SHIRE. — A telegram having been received on the 2nd Jan., 1903, from Keiss Village, that a vessel had run aground on the sands, the Life-boat Jonathan Marshall, Sheffield, was launched shortly after 11 A.M., and proceeded to the scene of the casualty.

A strong gale was blowing from S.E., the sea was very heavy and there was a thick rain falling. The stranded vessel proved to be the steam drifter Violet, of Wick, homeward bound from Stromness in ballast. On arrival the Coxswain did not consider it safe to go alongside the wreck, but having got within ten yards threw a line, which was secured by the only man then on board who, fastening it round his waist, jumped into the surf and was speedily assisted into the Life-boat. It appeared that the drifter had gone ashore about half a mile from the village early in the morning, and that the master hastily constructed a raft, with the view of saving himself and crew of two hands, but the men did not consider it safe, and preferred to remain on board. The master then lashed himself to the raft and after being dashed about in the raging surf for some time, eventually succeeded in getting ashore in a very exhausted condition. As soon as he had sufficiently recovered he went to the nearest house and gave warning of the imminent danger of his men, with the re- sult that the rocket apparatus and Life- boat were sent to their assistance with all despatch. In the meanwhile one of the poor fellows on board died, either from exposure or through being dashed against the wheelhouse by the heavy seas which continually washed over the vessel. The rescued man was in a very exhausted condition and would probably have also succumbed had it not been for the timely arrival of the Life-boat.

ABERDOVEY, MERIONETHSHIRE.— While the Life-boat Thomas Niccolls Stratford was out for exercise in a moderate south-westerly gale and a very heavy sea on the 3rd January, the steamer Sea Spray, of Glasgow, was seen standing into danger. The Life- boat at once proceeded to her. Having signalled to the steamer to alter her course, she then guided her over the bar and brought her to a safe anchorage.

Later the Life-boat returned ashore and was rehoused during the afternoon.

WHITBURN, DURHAM. — The s.s.

Chamois, of London, while bound from Rotterdam to the Tyne in ballast, stranded on the 8th January, in rather a bad position on a reef of rocks known IST AUGUST, 1903.] THE LIFE-BOAT.

813 as " Whitburn "White Steel," about half a mile north of the Life-boat House.

There was a light S.E. breeze at the time, but the weather was rather thick and there was a heavy ground swell.

It was 8.20 in the evening when the vessel went aground, and within a quarter of an hour of the signal being fired the Life-boat William and Charles was on her way to the distressed vessel.

She was found to be badly holed and half full of water, so the crew were taken moderate southerly wind, freshening, and heavy sea on the sands and bar. As the vessel's anchors did not seem to be holding, and the vessel dragged, the life-boat Joseph Somes was sent with all despatch to the assistance of those on board. Directly the Life- boat got alongside the master and crew jumped into her, intending to abandon their vessel, but the Coxswain persuaded them to return as he thought it would be possible to save her. He then put into the Life-boat and 'brought safely ashore, the rescue being* completed soon after 10 P.M. The Life-boat is reported to have behaved well.

EXMOUTH, DEVONSHIRE.—About 6 A.M.

on the 9th January, the schooner Cardi- gan, of Cardiff, was seen to be rolling heavily and apparently bumping on the sands about three-quarters of a mile to the W. of the entrance of the harbour.

It was a thick rainy morning with a two ot the Life-boatmen on board and got out a tow-rope ready to take to a tug which had subsequently been sent to the aid of the vessel. After the schooner had been towed clear the hawser parted, and the Life-boat was again called upon to take another one from the tug to the vessel, and eventually she wa's brought safely into harbour.

HOLY ISLAND, NORTHUMBERLAND.— While bound from Middlesbrough Aberdeen the steamer RumleigJi, belong- ing to the latter port, was caught in a whole gale from N. and heavy sea on the 10th January. After running for some miles before the wind she tried to seek shelter at Holy Island, but in doing so she was seen to take the wrong channel and come in on the W. side of the buoy.

As it was expected every moment that she would founder, the Life-boat Grace Darling was launched with the greatest celerity and proceeded to her ; she how- ever managed to keep clear until the Life-boat reached the Castle point, when she struck. The Life-boat succeeded in rescuing the crew of four hands from their perilous position, landing them shortly after 10 A.M.

PORT ERIN, ISLE OF MAN.—About 12.j30 P.M. on the 10th January, a north- easterly gale suddenly sprang up, accom- panied by rain, sleet, and a rough sea, causing all the fishing cobles, which had left the harbour earlier in the morning, to attempt to return. The first one to do BO was taken in tow by one of the larger boats, and only succeeded after great difficulty. They then reported having seen one of the other boats in difficulties near the " Calf." The Cox- swain having consulted the Honorary Secretary, it was deemed advisable to launch the Life-boat William Sugden at once. She proceeded under sail to the Sound, where she found the fishing boat Dorothy anchored, with two men aboard who, being unable to land, were keeping the boat's head to sea to prevent her foundering ; the third man of the crew was on a rock. They had been in this predicament about an hour when the Life-boat came to their aid. Having taken them on board, an attempt was made to beat back to Port Erin, but owing to the strong flood tide in the Sound and the head wind it was found impossible, in view therefore of the ex- posure to which his men had been sub- jected, the Coxswain decided to make for Port St. Mary, where the rescued men were duly landed about 5.30 P.M.

After waiting nearly two hours for the ebb tide, another attempt was made to return to Port Erin, but the wind hav- ing gone round further N. causing a heavy sea and snow storms, the attempt had to be abandoned, and the Life-boat was made secure at Port St. Mary for the night. Next day the crew went over to Port St. Mary and took the boat back to her station.

PORTHDINLLAEN, CARNARVONSHIRE.— Shortly before midnight on the 10th January the schooner John and Henry, of Runcorn was seen to be in distress owing to her anchor dragging. Every- thing was prepared in case it should be necessary to render help, and on her showing a signal of distress after bump- ing heavily, the Life-boat Barbara Fleming promptly put off and succeeded in rescuing the three men on board. It was blowing a north-easterly gale at the time, accompanied by a heavy sea, but next morning, on the weather moder- ating somewhat, the master and four other men were able to again board the vessel, which was leaking badly, slip both cables and beach her. The be- haviour of the Life-boat was reported to have been excellent.

KINGSTOWN, COUNTY DUBLIN.—The Coastguard reported on the 10th Jan- uary that the trawler Industry, of Ringsend, was in distress, and in a very dangerous position off Dalkey Island; and she eventually ran a very narrow escape of being smashed to pieces on the rocks. The trawler had been out fishing when a strong north-easterly gale sprang up, and while the boat was running for shelter, her sails carried away. She was therefore left practically at the mercy of the weather and it was in this con- dition the master anchored his vessel.

On receipt of the message from the Coastguard, the No. 2 Life-boat Dun- leary was despatched about 8.30 P.M. to the assistance of the men on board.

The sea was running so high that it was with difficulty the Life-boat got out of harbour, and it was nearly 10 P.M.

before she came up to the trawler. The Life-boat then made repeated attempts to get near enough to take the imperilled men into the boat, but owing to the trawl beam projecting over her port side and the boom over the starboard side, it was impossible, while the vessel rolled so heavily, to get alongside with any degree of safety. The Coxswain perse- IST AUGUST, 1903.] THE LIFE-BOAT.

815 vered however for five hours, when one of his crew was taken so ill that it was considered necessary to land him. The Life-boat therefore returned ashore at 3.30 A.M., with all the crew exhausted from cold and exposure. Having got dry clothing and refreshment, those who were able again took their places in the Life-boat and the vacant places being filled by volunteers, a fresh start was made to rescue the unfortunate fishermen, who had been exposed to the fury of the gale all night without food or shelter. It being daylight when the Dunleary again approached the trawler they succeeded in getting sufficiently near for the men to jump, and as they fell they were seized by the Life-boat- men, and dragged aboard in a very ex- hausted condition. On arriving at Kings- town shortly after noon on the llth, they were properly cared for and made comfortable. The Committee of Manage- ment, after considering the report of this service, decided as a mark of their high appreciation of the Coxswain's (Edward Knight) admirable conduct, to confer on him the thanks of the Institution in- scribed upon vellum and framed, and a few weeks later the presentation was made the occasion of a pleasant public function at Kingstown.

PEEL, ISLE OP MAN.—About 8 A.M.

on the morning of the 16th January, during a strong south-easterly gale, a vessel was observed riding heavily at anchor with all her sails blown away.

She was thought to be in difficulties, but as there were several steamers in the vicinity it was expected that one of them would tow her into safety. One by one however the steamers left her, and about 10 A.M., in response to her signals, the Life-boat Mayhew Medwin was launched to her assistance. She proved to be the smack Fayaway, of Ramsey, with a crew of two hands. All the canvas had been blown away and the bulwarks smashed in. It appeared she left Liverpool for Ramsey the previous day at noon, and encountered a terrible time, meeting the full force of the gale; finding it impossible to make Ramsey, she endeavoured to get to Peel, but her last sail being blown to pieces, she had to anchor when still about three miles off. When the Life-boat came up to her the two hands were rescued, but not without a serious accident to the Captain, who, in his eagerness to board the Life-boat, jumped too soon, and with the tremendous sea that was running, slipped, and fell between his own vessel and the Life-boat, sustaining a broken leg. The men were landed with all despatch, and after being cared for, the injured one was sent to the Hospital to be attended to. The Life-boat behaved splendidly and her sailing qualities are stated to have been all that could be desired, and further, that she was handled in a masterly manner by her Coxswain and crew.

FISHGUARD, PEMBROKESHIRE.—About 6.30 P.M. on the 16th January signals of distress were shown by a steamer lying between the New Breakwater and Denis Head, and in response the No. 2 Life- boat Appin immediately launched and proceeded to her. On reaching the steamer the master informed the Cox- swain that a schooner astern of him was in a sinking condition, and asked him to go at once alongside. This he did, and found she was the Prince Llewellyn, of Carnarvon, bound from Treport to Amlwch. The captain stated she was leaking very badly, and when picked up by the steamer between St. Davids and Strumbles Head the pumps were choked and he had lost all his headsails. He therefore requested the Coxswain to stand by him, which he did; but after some time, the wind having increased, he further requested that some of the Life- boatmen would assist to put down another anchor, and then take him and his crew ashore, as all were very ex- hausted. There was a moderate S.S.E. gale blowing and rough sea, the night being very cold and thick.

GORLESTON, SUFFOLK.—As the Steam Life-boat James Stevens No. 3, stationed at Gorleston, was preparing to go out for exercise on the 19th January, signals were fired by the St. Nicholas Light- vessel. Slipping her moorings, the Life-boat at once proceeded to sea and learnt that a large steamer was aground on the Cross Sand Ridge. On arrival at the vessel, which proved to be the s.s. Kolpino, of Hull, bound for that port with, a general cargo from the Mediterranean, the services of the Life boatmen were engaged to try to salve the vessel. The Life-boat Mark Lane No. 1 was also sent for, and with the assistance of four tugs and several lumpers, who lightened her, the vessel was two days later successfully floated and taken into the roads. The Steam Life-boat then returned, and having I taken off a relief party, returned to harbour about midnight. The Mark Lane however remained by the vessel, not returning ashore until 9.30 A.M. on the 22nd idem. While both these Life-boats were engaged in salving the above vessel, about 4.45 A.M. on the 20th, the Coxswain of the James Stevens No. 3 heard a steam whistle near them, which he answered. Almost immediately a large steamer came upon them, and it was only by going full steam ahead that they escaped being run down. As the Life-boat got out of the way, warning was given to the master of the steamer —which was the s.s. Orlando, of Sunds- vall—and he let go his anchor, but not in time to prevent the ship swinging round on to the sand. The Life-boatmen then offered their help to get this vessel off, and having succeeded when the tide made, the James Stevent returned to the Kolpino and remained with her as stated above.

CAISTER, NORFOLK.—At midday on the 19th January signals of distress were heard in the direction of the Gross Sand, and in response the No. 1 Life- boat Oovent Garden at once launched and proceeded to the sands; there they found the s.s. Fenham, of Sunderland, aground. The master of the steamer having engaged the Life-boatmen to assist in getting his vessel off, they worked until about 3 P.M. on the 21st, when their efforts were rewarded by success. The vessel was then taken to a safe anchorage and the Life-boatmen reached home about 11 P.M. that night.

PORT PATRICK, WIGTOWNSHIRE.-—On the 21st January, about 3 o'clock in the morning, the s.s. Baron Glamis, of Ardrossan, while bound from Glasgow to the River Plate, stranded on the " Ebbstone " in thick weather. When it cleared somewhat the chief officer landed and made his way to the Corse- wall Lighthouse, where he reported the casualty, and the Life-boat Civil Service No. 3 was at 12.50 P.M. telegraphed for.

She at once proceeded to the scene of the accident, but at that time the weather was not so bad as to cause any alarm. Prom the position of the vessel however it was known that if the wind were to get to the westward it would be necessary to take off those then on board; the Life-boat therefore decided to remain alongside all night. Towards midnight the weather got worse and the crew of the steamer signalled to be taken into the Life-boat, but it was then too dark to risk the operation, and it was not, until nearly daybreak that they were able to commence the work of rescue. At this time the gale from S.W. was very heavy and the sea so rough that the Life-boat incurred great danger in approaching the wreck, her bows on one occasion being dashed through one o£ the ship's boats as it hung on the davits. An endeavour was made to calm the sea somewhat by pouring oil from the fore-part of the vessel, and eventually all the men were got safely on board the Life-boat, which then headed for Loch Ryan, where the shipwrecked men were landed. The ship became a total wreck. In. appreci- ation of this excellent service, resulting in saving of twenty - six lives, the Committee conferred on the Coxswain the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum and framed.

CAMPBELTOWN, ARGYLLSHIRE;.—On the night of the 21st January, while the brigantine Essex, of Coleraine, was bound from that port to Maryport, she was overtaken by bad weather, and when trying to run for Lamlash for shelter, she stranded off Kildonan, Isle of Arran, in a whole gale from S.S.W., a heavy sea, thick weather and heavy snow showers. The coastguard at Kil- donan attempted to save the crew with the rocket apparatus, but the line broke while the first man was being hauled ashore. He was ultimately rescued :rom the waves, but no others could be saved from the ship. They then telegraphed to Campbeltown for assistance, and the Life-boat James Stevens No. 2 was promptly despatched. She reached the wreck about 9 A.M. on the 22nd idem, to find the sea washing right over the vessel. After going through a great deal of broken water she got under the lee of the vessel, which afforded her protection, and by means of lines succeeded in getting the remainder of the crew, five in number, safely into the boat. The Life-boat then made for Whiting Bay and landed the crew, who, after procuring some food, left about 12.30 P.M. for home. In the mean- while the weather had improved and the wind became light; after passing Plada lighthouse the boat had to be rowed and did not reach home until after 11 o'clock that night. This was an excel- lent service, in which the Life-boat travelled over fifty miles, and the Hon.

Secretary of the Branch, Canon Wake- ham, was again thanked by the Committee for the energy he displayed.

PETERHEAD, ABERDEENSHIRE. — The Life-boat George Pickard saved six men, the crew of the schooner Exile, of Peter- head, on the 22nd January. About 7.30 A.M. one of the Life-boatmen observed signals of distress and informed the Harbour-Master, who immediately ordered out the Life-boat. There was a strong southerly breeze and heavy sea at the time, and it was only after some trouble that the Life-boat got under the lee of the ship, which she found had stranded and was bumping heavily. The Life-boat anchored, and having got a line on board, succeeded in getting the six men into the boat, landing them at 8.30 A.M.

DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN.—About mid- night on the 23-24th January, the barque Otzamiz, while lying at anchor in the North Bay, displayed signals of distress. As there was a strong S.S.W.

breeze and a rough sea the Life-boat Civil Service No. 6 promptly went to her assistance. They found the vessel in a very dangerous position, dragging her anchors, so took the crew of six- teen hands into the Life-boat and landed them shortly after 1 A.M.

ST. DAVID'S, PEMBROKESHIRE.—The Life-boat Gem rescued six of the crew of the s.s. Grajfoe, of Grimsby, on the 27th January. The Graffoe left Glasgow on 23rd January, bound for Monte Video ; bad weather was experienced, the vessel got out of her course, and shortly before 11 P.M. on the 25th idem she stranded on the southern end of Ramsey Island, off the coast of St. David's. It was thick weather and a south-westerly wind was blowing. Fourteen men got into one of the ship's Life-boats and were ordered to stand by under the lee of the land, but were washed out to sea.

Happily they were picked up late in the afternoon of the following day by a steamer, about thirty miles from the scene of the disaster, and landed at Penarth. The roughness of the sea rendered the launching of the other ship's Life-boat impossible, so the remain- der of the crew sought safety on the bridge and in the rigging. The ship settled down almost immediately ; the master and chief engineer were washed away and drowned, but the others— 7 in number—managed to hold on, although they experienced a terrible time owing to the tempestuous weather, the masts of the vessel being practically the only part of the ship out of the water. The weather continued rough and thick and it was not until nearly 10 A.M.

on the 27th that the wreck was seen from the mainland and reported to the Life-boat authorities, who at once sent out the Life-boat Gem. There was much difficulty and great risk in approaching the wreck owing to the strong wind, the set of the tide and current, and the close proximity of dangerous rocks.

After strenuous efforts communication was effected, but one of the men who had been in the rigging this length of time without water and without food, and had there endured all the hardships of two winter nights, was found lashed up quite dead. A line was got on board -the steamer, and the first pulled through the sea to the Life-boat was this dead seaman, to whom the living men paid this mark of respect; then followed the other six, one of whom was thought to be dying. Having got all the men on board, the boat was pulled clear and sail set, St. Davids being reached at 2.15 P.M. On landing, every care was taken of the res- cued men and with the assistance of a doctor the apparently dying man was restored. The same evening the ship- wrecked men were conveyed to the town, and expressed their deepest gratitude for the humanity and hospitality shown them.

The following extract from a letter written to the local press by one of the members of the crew, shows with what high appreciation the action of the Life- boatmen was regarded:— " Now a word in praise of the gallant Life-boat crew, for we know that it wanted great courage to reach us in the position the wreck was lying and the heavy seas that were running at the time; we all think that Coxswain Narbett's management of the boat, and the decisive way of making up his mind to act, makes him an efficient man for the position of Coxswain." The silver medal of the Institution was subsequently awarded to William Narbett, the acting Coxswain, by the Committee of Management, in recog- nition of his gallant and meritorious conduct on this occasion and an ad- ditional monetary grant was made to each member of the crew of the boat.

DUNGENESS, KENT.—About midnight on the 26th January a collision occurred between the s.s. British Prince and the four-masted barque Waterloo, off Dunge- ness. Both vessels sustained damage, the former of so serious a nature that she had to be run ashore. The crew and launchers of the No. 2 Life-boat, Thomas Simcox,were promptly assembled, but it was not until 4r A.M. that their services were called upon; the Captain of the British Prince then requested that the Life-boat should come and stand by him, as the vessel was leaking badly.

This the Coxswain did, and on the vessel being towed off, the Life-boat accom- panied her as far as Walmer. Her services being no longer required, she was beached there, and returned to her station next day. The weather was cold, with a moderate S.W. gale and moderate sea.

"ARBROATH, FORFABSHIFE.—The fish- ing-boat Isabel, of Arbroath, with two men on board, was seen to be in diffi- culties off that harbour on the 29th January. The wind was increasing and the sea rough, but it was hoped she would be able to make the harbour without help. About two hours later, however, it was seen that this would be impossible, so the Life-boat James Stevens No. 13 was launched, to give her the necessary assistance. In the mean- time another fishing-boat had gone to her and taken her in tow. As the wind was now blowing a hurricane, the Life- boat stood by both crafts and accom- panied them into harbour, -which was only gained with much difficulty on the part of the fishing-boats.

STORNOWAY, ISLE OF LEWIS.—During a heavy gale from W.S.W. and very rough sea, about 7 P.M., on the 30th January, the large four-masted steamer Marwarri, of Liverpool, bound from Dundee to Barry in ballast, while at- tempting to anchor in the harbour was driven by the force of the gale on the rocks at Battery Point. Immediately her critical position was observed the crew of the Life-boat Sarah Pilkington was summoned. The call was answered promptly, the boat launched and they proceeded to the stranded steamer. At the request of the Captain the Life-boat remained in attendance until 5.45 next morning, when she returned to harbour, her services being no longer required.

During the time, nearly 10 hours, while the boat remained in close proximity to the stranded steamer, the crew were exposed to the full force of the gale, with blinding rain. They were also of service in saving a steam trawler from running ashore: this vessel mistaking the stern light of the wrecked steamer, which had been left burning, for that of another vessel at anchor. The trawler was seeking shelter from the gale, and but for a blue light being burnt in the Life-boat, she certainly would have stranded.

TORQUAY, DEVONSHIRE.—The Coast- guard at Babbacombe telegraphed about 11 P.M. on the 30th January, that a vessel was in the Bay showing signals of distress. The crew of the Life-boat Wighton was promptly summoned and the boat launched. On arrival the Coxswain found the schooner Silvia, of Beaumaris, at anchor, riding out the gale, which was blowing from S., accom- panied by a very heavy sea. The vessel had lost some of her spars and sails, the Captain therefore asked that the Life- boat would stand by him in case the cable broke and it should be found necessary to abandon the ship. After some hours the wind changed and as the immediate danger was over the Life-boat returned to her station, being rehoused at 4.30 next morning.

MARGATE, KENT.—At 4 A.M. on the 1st February distress signals were ob- served off the Longnose Rock by the Coastguard, who reported it to the Life- boat authorities. The crew of the No. 2 Life-boat Civil Service No. 1 was assem- bled and the boat proceeded to the spot indicated. There they found the s.s.

Trent, of Hull, with her Life-boat lowered and provisioned, ready for the crew to abandon her. On the Life- boatmen boarding her, the Captain re- ported that he had three feet of water in the stoke-hole, and that his men were working up to their knees in water keeping the fires up. It ap- peared that he had been trying to enter Ramsgate Harbour, had struck the East Pier Head and knocked a por- tion of the steamer's starboard side in.

Finding it impossible to get into the harbour, he made for Margate Roads, but the vessel made so much water that she was in grave danger of foundering; the master therefore decided to ran his vessel ashore and signal for assistance.

The Life-boatmen were at once employed to try and salve the vessel, the engines were kept at work on the pumps, and the bunker coal jettisoned, about forty tons in all being thrown overboard. At daylight the leaks were found and the holes plugged, two large kedges having then been got out, the vessel was floated at 1.30 P.M. and taken under her own steam into Ramsgate Harbour. There was a strong southerly gale and moder- ate sea at the time.

LLANDUDNO, CARNARVONSHIRE.—At 9.30 A.M. on Sunday, the 1st of February, a telegram was received from the Orme's Head Lighthouse that a steamer was showing signals of distress about six miles E.N.E. The assembly signal was immediately fired, and within eighteen minutes the Life-boat Theodore Price was afloat and on her way to the ateamer, which could then be seen in the offing rolling heavily and displaying signals of distress. She was found to be the s.s. Wylam, of Limerick, from Liverpool to Limerick with a general cargo. She had left Liverpool the night before and encountered a gale of wind which caused her cargo to shift; she was making water rapidly, then having eight feet of water in the hold, which was gradually extinguishing the fires.

The captain asked the Life-boat to stand by him for a time, as they were coming closer to land. This they did, but the pilot on board feared the vessel would founder, so went on board the Life-boat and was landed. The vessel however in spite of a great list and rolling heavily, eventually got into Llandudno Bay and anchored. The crew then cleared the pump which had become choked and towards evening when the weather moderated the vessel proceeded on her voyage.

HOLYHEAD, ANGLESEY.—In a strong N.N.W. gale and heavy sea on the 2nd February a vessel was seen making signals of distress, and the Steam Life- boat Duke of Northumberland immedi- ately went out. They found the schooner Useful, of Barrow, which had just sailed into the harbour and anchored, but the anchors not holding she had drifted and "was bumping on the rocks. At the request of the master the Coxswain endeavoured to find a tug to tow the vessel into safety, but being unsuccessful he put four of the Life-boatmen on board, and with their assistance the schooner was got into the old harbour and moored in safety.