FISHGUARD, PEMBROKESHIRE.—During a moderate N.N.E. gale and a heavy sea on the 2nd Feb., 1903, signals of distress were observed on the schooner Mary Boberts, of Carnarvon, which was lying in the roads. Rockets to assemble the crew were at once fired and the Life-boat Appin launched and proceeded to her. It was found that the anchors were dragging and that the schooner was likely to drive ashore. The crew, consisting of the captain and three 2ND NOVEMBER, 1903.] THE LIFE-BOAT.

839 hands, were taken into the Life-boat and landed. Later in the day the vessel having weathered the gale, the men again went on board and took the vessel to a safe anchorage.

IRVINE, AYRSHIRE. — The deputy harbour master, about 10 P.M. on the 2nd February, informed the Coxswain of the Life-boat Jane Anne that a vessel was on the beach to the north of the bar showing flares. The crew were summoned, the Life-boat launched and proceeded to the vessel. On getting alongside they found she was the smack Janes, of Campbeltown, and that she had stranded while bound from Carrickfergus to Irvine with a cargo of salt.

As she was then making water, the crew were taken into the Life-boat and landed about midnight. The night was dark and cloudy, with a strong "W.S.W. breeze blowing and heavy sea.

On the night of the 4th February the Jane Anne was again called out to the assistance of the galliot Alpha, of Riga, which also stranded to the north of the harbour. A tug-boat went to her, but after making two ineffectual attempts to get her off returned into harbour and towed the Life-boat out.

The sea was very heavy and was then breaking right over the vessel. It was only with considerable difficulty that the Life-boat got under her lee, and in doing so one of the crew was knocked overboard, but was happily recovered without injury. The shipwrecked crew of six men were eventually go.t into the boat and landed in safety.

SENNEN COVE, CORNWALL.—In thick weather, a strong S.W. breeze and a rough sea on the 4th February, a large steamer—the s.s. Benwick, of Newcastle —stranded on the " Runnel Stone" and subsequently became a total wreck. It was soon after 7 A.M. when the coast- guard observed the steamer and warned the Coxswain; the Life-boat Ann Newbon was immediately launched and proceeded to the place. On arriving they found the captain and four other men in a small boat standing by the steamer, which by this time was against the cliffs. The men were taken into the Life-boat, which then proceeded to search I along the shore for other members of the crew who had left in one of the ship's boats soon after she struck. This took the Life-boat in the direction of Pen- zance; the Coxswain therefore decided to land the shipwrecked men there, and arrived about 11 A.M. It was subse- quently learnt that the missing men had landed in safety. The Life-boat left Penzance again for Sennen Cove at 12.30 P.M. in thick and dirty weather, reaching her station at 8 P.M.

NAIRN, NAIRNSHIEE.—There was a strong W.S.W. gale and a rough sea on the 6th February. While several of the fishing-boats were out, news came that one of them had been lost and her crew of two hands drowned. Very shortly after this two of the yawls, one a small one, were observed in a dangerous posi- tion. The Life-boat TheopTkilus Sidney Echalaz was launched and proceeded to them; taking the smaller one, with two hands on board, in tow she brought it into harbour.

THURSO, CAITHNESS-SHIRE.—The fish- ing-boat Camperdown, of Port Knockie, was returning from the fishing grounds on the evening of the 6th February, when a hurricane from W.S.W. suddenly rose and disabled her, breaking the yard and splitting her sail. She was observed by the look-out man at Thurso, who at once summoned the Life-boat crew.

The Life-boat Co-operator No. 3 was quickly launched, bore down on the fishing-boat and stood by ready to render assistance. When the gale began to subside the Life-boat returned to the roadstead and secured the services of a steamer; she then accompanied her back to the craft, and having passed a rope from the steamer, the disabled vessel was towed into safety. The boat then returned ashore and was rehoused next day.

HILBRE ISLAND, CHESHIRE.—On the 7th February it was reported that a flat was in distress and would require assist- ance. She first caught the Salisbury Bank, where she lost her punt, but got off, slipped her anchor and made for Hilbre; she then went ashore on the rocks on the north end of the island, where she hung for a time; again she got off and drifted helplessly on to the East Hoyle Bank. In this position the Life-boat Admiral Briggs came to her.

The Life-boatmen went on board and stowed her sails, &o. ; the boat then took a warp, which was made fast to the shore to prevent her drifting further on to the bank, and when the tide made she was brought into a safe anchorage. The master was very grate- ful for the help given, as the vessel would probably otherwise have been lost, and possibly lives as well, owing to the loss of the punt on board.

On the 18th July the Life-boats stationed at Hilbre Island and Hoylake visited New Brighton to take part in a demonstration which had been organized at that place in aid of the " Life-boat Saturday Fund." In order that the conditions respecting the return of the Life-boats to their respective stations the same night might be fulfilled, both boats left New Brighton at 8.30 P.M. in tow of the tug London. When off Lea- sowe and in the Rock Channel, the Hoylake boat cast off and proceeded under oars to the Hoyle Lake, where horses and her carriage were waiting to transport her to her house. The London proceeded with the Hilbre Island Life- boat, Admiral Briggs, and in spite of advice given by the Life-boatmen, stood too near the North Bank, with the result that about 9.30 P.M. she ran ashore. There was a moderate E.N.E.

breeze and heavy swell and thick weather. As the tug was in a danger- ous position and ran a risk of capsizing, the Life-boat remained in attendance until she floated off with the rising tide about 2.30 A.M. and came to an anchor in deep water; thence the Life-boat was rowed to Hilbre, and reached there at 3.45 A.M.

CAISTER, NORFOLK.—Shortly before 8 P.M. on the 15th February, signals of distress were observed opposite Caister, and the Life-boat Covent Garden was launched with all despatch. On arrival outside the Barber Sand the ketch Evelyn, of Jersey, was found brought up in the roads and leaking badly. Life- boatmen were at once put on board to man the pumps and they worked until after midnight. A tug then came up and the anchor having been slipped, the vessel was taken in tow and brought to Yarmouth Harbour. It appeared that the ketch was bound from South- ampton to Bo'ness with a cargo of scrap iron, and when near Caister, had sprung a leak and was in danger of foundering.

The sea at the time was smooth, with a moderate northerly breeze.

In a moderate N.W. breeze and a rough sea, about 5.40 P.M. on the 18th July, the watchman observed a large steamer on the N.W. part of the Cross Sand, and within a few minutes the Light-vessel on the sand fired signals to draw attention to the casualty. The No. 2 Life-boat Nancy Lucy was at once launched and, on arrival at the vessel, found she was the s.s. Bramham, of London, which had stranded while on her way to Hartlepool for a cargo. The Captain engaged | the Life-boatmen to try to salve his vessel, and after working for upwards of five hours, with the assist- ance of some Gorleston Life-boatmen and steam-tugs, the steamer was got afloat and was able to proceed on her voyage. This was the first launch of the new Life-boat, which had only been placed on her station a few days previously, and although the sea was not sufficiently rough to thoroughly test her qualifications, she is reported to have behaved very well indeed and launched beautifully.

GORLESTON, SUFFOLK.—The Steam Life-boat James Stevens No. 3 had just returned from an exercise on the 18th July when the s.s. Bramham, referred to above, was reported to have stranded on the Cross Sand. She immediately put to sea again, and reached the vessel about the same time as help from Caister. The Life-boatmen were engaged to get the vessel off, and on this being accomplished they returned to Gorleston, arriving there soon after 2 next morning.

MONTROSE, FORFARSHIRE.— The weather in early morning of the 19th February being comparatively moderate, the fishing fleet put to sea, but about 9.30 A.M. the wind increased to a whole W.S.W. gale, accompanied by a very heavy sea. At 9.45 the Scurdyness Lighthouse-keeper telephoned to the Coxswain.of the Life-boat that the Life- boat would be required, the fishing-boats then being in greatdanger. Shortly after- wards the boat Gladiator was driven on to the Annat Bank among the breakers, and another boat, the Enterprise, went ashore inside the bar. The Life-boat Sarah Jane Turner was launched and went to the first-named vessel's assist- ance, and got her crew, four in number, into the Life-boat. By this time the tide had ebbed sufficiently to enable the crew of the Enterprise to walk ashore; the Life-boat therefore proceeded to the other boats and stood by them until all had been towed into safety by a steam trawler which came to their aid.

The Life-boat then returned to her station and during the afternoon was rehoused.

LLANDUDNO, CARNARVONSHIRE.—On the 19th February the smack Stag, of Beaumaris, having sprung a leak, took shelter in Llandudno Bay during a westerly gale then prevailing. About 3.50 P.M. she was found to be sinking, the crew therefore showed signals of distress.

Within twelve minutps of the assembly signal being fired the Life-boat Theodore Price was launched, and without loss of time the two men on board were rescued, the vessel ultimately sinking. The sea was rough at the time, and the boat is reported to have behaved remarkably well.

WINTERTON, IS ORFOLK.—In the early morning of the 21st February, the s.s. Martello, of Hull, a vessel of over 3,000 tons, collided with another steamer near the Newarp Light-vessel.

As a result her bows were completely cut away and she was brought up by her cables falling through the breach and fouling some wreckage. In answer to the signals fired by the Newarp Light - vessel, the No. 2 Life - boat Margaret proceeded to the vessel to- gether with tugs and they were requested to render assistance. Some of the Life-boatmen were put on board and assisted to jettison the cargo, the Life-boat meanwhile standing by while the tug attempted to clear the cables which had fouled. Happily the bulk- heads of the vessel held, and on the 23rd idem, as the cables could not be cleared, they were cut through and slipped. The vessel was then towed into shallow water and shortly after- wards proceeded to Hull with a tug and the Life-boat in attendance. During this service, which was performed in a heavy W.S.W. wind and heavy sea, the Life-boat was seriously damaged.

The men were engaged in the salvage operation from the morning of the 21st until the afternoon of the 24th, and they did not get back to their homes until the 26th' February, but by their hard and continuous work they assisted £ to save a vessel and cargo valued together at more than 87.000Z.

CAISTER, NORFOLK.—At 9.30 A.M. on the 21st February the vessel referred to above, the s.s. Martello, of Hull, was observed from Caister, and the crew of the Life-boat Govent Garden assembled and launched their boat. They found the Winterton Life-boat in attendance, but hearing there had been a collision, went in search of the other vessel. About 12.30 P.M. they came up with her in a sinking condition about two miles north of Palling, flying signals of distress and in tow of another steamer. She proved to be the s.s. Holt/well, of Sunderland, and her captain asked for help. Shortly after the arrival of the boat the hawser connected with the assisting steamer parted and she drifted helplessly on to the Cross Sand and foundered. When the other steamer came to the assistance of the Holywell the crew and passengers, numbering thirty-one in all, were taken on board; these were now transferred to the Life-boat, which returned ashore and landed them at Yarmouth. The sea was very heavy and the Life-boat was frequently buried, but she freed herself well and is reported to have behaved magnificently.

COVERACK, CORNWALL.—About 6 A.M.

on the 21st February a four-masted steel barque—the Clan Graham, of nearly 2,000 tons register—while on a voyage from AJgoa Bay to the English Channel in ballast, ran aground on the rocks near Lowland Point. It was, at 2ND NOVEMBER, 1903.] THE LIFE-BOAT.

843 the time, blowing a moderate S.S.W.

gale with a heavy sea. In response to rockets sent up by the barque, the Life- boat Constance Melanie went to her assistance and was requested to stand by her. About the same time a tug came up, and it was decided to make an effort to get the vessel off on the rising tide, and later two other tugs arrived.

The Life-boat did excellent service in carrying warps from the stranded vessel to the tugs, and eventually the vessel was saved and taken into Falmouth Harbour, making water rapidly.

PADSTOW, CORNWALL. — The coast- guard at Trevose Head, on the night of the 22nd February, reported that a large steamer was in distress five miles to the north and that she was burning signals for assistance. The tug Helen Peele, with the Life-boat Edmund Harvey in tow, at once proceeded to sea, and about half an hour after midnight reached the steamer, which proved to be s.s. Martha of Copenhagen. She had sustained damage to her machinery, and the captain requested the Life-boatmen to stand by him throughout the night.

This they did, and after temporary repairs had been effected, finding that a tug only was then required to tow the steamer to Swansea, they decided to return home. Padstow was reached at 11.15 A.M. next morning, the Life- boatmen having been exposed to the fury of a S.W. gale and rough and cold weather for thirteen hours.

FLEETWOOD, LANCASHIRE. — About 7.30 on the morning of the 23rd February a vessel was observed in distress on the east side of Sunderland Bank, Morecambe Bay. A strong W.S.W. gale was blowing, which steadily increased, accompanied by a very heavy sea. The crew of the Life- boat Maude Pickup was summoned and, the boat having been launched, pro- ceeded to the vessel, which proved to be the barque Vanadit, of Mariehamn.

It appeared that she had stranded during the night, and when the tide ebbed six of her crew and the pilot managed, at great risk, to get ashore; but as the flood made the gale increased so much that all hope of those remaining on board leaving their vessel had to be abandoned. However, the Life-boat was then nearing the scene of the disaster, and the Coxswain with con- siderable difficulty got the rest of the crew, consisting of the captain and eight men, into the Life-boat. They then beat back to Fleetwood against a very heavy sea and a piercing wind, having travelled about twenty-six miles.

RAMSGATE, KENT.—During a very strong S.S.W. gale and a very heavy sea, on the 24th February, the ketch Capella, of Libau, tried to make Rams- gate Harbour, but when still about half- a-mile away her gear carried away and she became unmanageable. She at once anchored, the heavy sea flooding her decks with water, in addition to which she was in a very dangerous position.

The Life-boat Bradford, in tow of a tug, was despatched to her assistance, and got near enough for the second Coxswain to get on board, but he ran great risk in doing so. A hawser was then taken from the tug to the disabled vessel and her cable having been slipped she was towed into safety.

NORTH DEAL, KENT.—About 10.30 P.M. the Coastguard informed the Cox- swain that flares were being burnt in the direction of the Brake Sand. He immediately summoned the crew, launched the Life-boat Mary Somerville, and proceeded to the spot indicated, where they found the barge Dawn, of London, very near the sands, in danger of stranding. The Coxswain got as close to the barge as possible, then anchored and veered down to her. It was only with great difficulty and danger that they succeeded in getting alongside, as it was blowing a whole gale from S.W., and the sea was very heavy. The master asked that they would save the crew and his vessel if possible. Four of the Life-boatmen were put on board, and they succeeded in getting the vessel into Ramsgate Harbour at 6 o'clock next morning.

PORT EYNON, GLAMORGANSHIRE. — During a strong S.W. gale and heavy sea, on the morning of the 25th Feb- ruary, a vessel was observed to be drifting apparently in a helpless condi- tion. The crew of the Life-boat A Daughter's Offering were quickly assembled and the boat successfully launched.

They proceeded to the vessel, which was the barque Allegro, of Skudesnaes, and at the request of the master, stood by for upwards of three hours. The vessel was then drifting towards the Port Talbot Sands, so the master asked that the Life-boat should run to Swansea, and, if possible, procure a tug. Having reached Swansea they found it impossible to return, so remained in harbour that night and returned to Port Eynon next day.

LITTLEHAMPTON, SUSSEX.—The Life- boat James, Mercer and Elizabeth was called out at 1.30 P.M. on the 26th February, by distress signals shown on the s.s. Brattingsborg, of Copenhagen, which lost her propeller about five miles south of Littlehampton, when bound from Hamburg to Cardiff. At the request of the master, the Life-boat stood by him until she was towed by a local tug into a safe anchorage. Having performed this service, the Life-boat returned ashore and was rehoused about 7 P.M. There was a moderate gale and heavy sea during this service.

WICKLOW.—A storm of terrific vio- lence visited Wicklow and the district on the 26th February. The wind had been blowing from the S. and towards night it increased to hurricane force, accom- panied by a very heavy sea, and down- pours of rain and sleet at intervals.

About 8 P.M. the Coastguard reported a vessel in a dangerous position about a mile to the north of the harbour. The Honorary Secretary of the Branch at once proceeded to the Pier Head, where he could see the vessel's light; she was then drifting, but as she made no distress signals, he did not order the Life-boat out. He remained there until 9.30 P.M., when wet through, he returned home to put on dry clothes. On his way back to the Boathouse, he learnt that the vessel had burnt a flare, so without delay the assembly signal was fired for the crew, and within five minutes the Life-boat Bobert Theophilus Garden was launched. She proceeded to the wreck, which was then about four miles to the northward, close to the shore. With great difficulty and trouble, owing to the heavy seas, the Life-boat was taken near the vessel and her crew of four rescued in an exhausted condition. On the return journey the boat's mizen mast was carried away, but they made the harbour safely and landed the shipwrecked men about 1.30 A.M. The vessel in distress was the schooner Brackley, of Liverpool, bound for Wick- low from Wexford.

MOELFRE, ANGLESEY.—The tremend- ous gale which visited the coasts of the United Kingdom on the night of the 26th February blew for several days with great violence, and caused much destruction of property and jeopardized many lives. The services of the brave Life-boatmen were called upon at many stations, and during the storm they were the means of rescuing more than seventy people, who, but for the timely succour, would doubtless have perished. One of the first services performed was that by the Life-boat Star of Hope, resulting in the crew of four of the schooner Hod- barrow Miner, of Barrow, being saved.

This vessel, while bound to Plymouth from Runcorn with a cargo of coal, anchored in Moelfre Roads. Shortly after 1 A.M. she began, in the S.E. gale and heavy sea, to drag her anchors.

Signals of distress were made, and in response the Star of Hope launched. On getting alongside, the schooner's crew jumped into the Life-boat, which landed them by 5 A.M.

Directly after this, further signals of distress were observed from the schooner William Jones, of Carnarvon. The Life- boat was again manned and proceeded to her assistance, and having taken her crew of four hands off, returned ashore about 8 A.M., the Life-boat being re- housed at noon.

ABERSOCH, CARNARVONSHIRE.— About 1.15 A.M. on the 27th February, signals of distress were observed from St. Tud- well's Roads. There was a whole W.S.W.

gale and very heavy sea at the time.

The Life-boat Oldham was promptly launched and found that the s.s. Tele- phone was drifting, her cables having parted. The Life-boat stood by until the vessel was beached, her crew manag- ing to get ashore without help.

Immediately after wards, another signal was observed to leeward, and on the Oldham reaching the spot, the ketch Seaman, of Amlwch, was found in a sinking condition, with her crew of four hands lashed to the rigging, from which position they were rescued in a very exhausted condition.

NEWHAVEN, SUSSEX.—At 2 A.M. on the 27th, the Coastguard reported that a vessel, about six miles to the S.E. of the harbour, was firing signals of distress.

The crew of the Life-boat Michael Henry were assembled and an application made for the assistance of the harbour tug, but the Harbour Master did not think it advisable for the tug to go out of the harbour in such a hurricane. Two attempts were then made without the tug, but it was found to be impossible.

After a time the wind moderated some- what and the Life-boat was eventually towed to the vessel, which proved to be the s.s. Sola, of London. Her machinery had broken down while bound from Antwerp to Newport (Mon.). At the request of the Master the Life-boat stood by until she was taken in tow by two tugs, and then returned to port, arriving about 1 P.M.

CARDIGAN.—On the night of the 26th February there was every indication of a heavy gale approaching, and the Cox- swain of the Life-boat Lizzie and Charles Leigh Clare determined to keep watch all night. Shortly after 4 A.M. on the 27th idem, when it was blowing a whole gale from N.N.W. and a heavy sea running, he saw signals made from a vessel in the bay. He summoned his crew and launched the Life-boat. On arriving alongside they found the ketch .Mouse, of Cardigan, with the sea breaking over her, and the crew of four hands in the rigging. They were taken with all despatch into the Life-boat and landed at Penrhyn Castle shortly after 10 A.M.

NORTH BERWICK, HADDINGTONSHIRE.

—A telegram from Anstruther was sent to the Coxswain of the Life-boat at North Berwick stating that a fishing- boat was in great danger off that place, and that the Life-boat stationed there was unable to get out owing to the violence of the gale. This message was received a few minutes before 7 A.M. on the 27th February, and by five minutes past 7 the Life-boat Norman Clark had started to go to her assistance. The vessel, which proved to be the smack Providence, of Cellardyke, was reached about 9 A.M., but by this time the wind had veered round more to the westward and the smack managed to anchor about a quarter of a mile from the shore. At the request of the skipper the Norman Clark stood by bim while an attempt was made to get into harbour and this was eventually accomplished. As the services of the Life-boat were required no longer she returned to North Berwick, which was reached in safety about 2 P.M.

in spite of the wind having risen to a perfect hurricane. The behaviour of the Life-boat caused the liveliest satisfac- tion, and the crew were delighted with their craft.

NEW BRIGHTON, CHESHIRE.-—During the heavy westerly gale and rough sea on the 27th February, the Coxswain of the steam Life-boat Queen received a message that a vessel had foundered off North Wall and that the crew had taken refuge in the rigging. The crew was promptly summoned and the Queen pro- ceeded to the vessel, which proved to be the Fingal, of Dublin, a large four- masted barque of over 2,000 tons register.

Great difficulty was experienced in getting alongside, but it was eventually accom- plished, and the crew of 32 hands were rescued from their perilous position and landed at New Brighton.

CAMPBELTOWN, ARGYLLSHIRE.—The barque Argo, of Fredrikstad, was totally wrecked near Macharioch on the 27th February, but happily nine of her crew were saved. The crew of the Life-boat at Southend were assembled, but as it was very doubtful if that boat could effect a rescue, the caretaker wired for the Life-boat James Stevens No. 2 to be sent. At 9.30 A.M. the boat was launched and proceeded under sail in a heavy sea and a whole gale from W.N.W.

to the barque. A tug having been despatched shortly afterwards, she picked up the Life-boat, and towed her within a half-a-mile of the wreck, which they found on a reef of rocks with her hull almost under water and the crew in the rigging. The anchor was let go and she veered down, got a line aboard and rescued the nine men. The Coxswain then got clear, and the tug taking them in tow again returned with all haste to Campbeltown. The rescue was only carried out just in time, as the barque went to pieces within a few minutes of the men being taken off. It subsequently transpired that as soon as the vessel struck three of the crew went ashore in a small boat to summon help. Two of them then attempted to return, together with a landsman, but the boat was blown away and never seen again. There is little doubt her unfortunate occupants perished. The Norwegian Government subsequently awarded each member of the Life-boat's crew a medal and diploma in recognition of the gallant and timely help, in saving nine of their fellow-beings, who were face to face with death when delivered from their peril.

GROOMSPORT, Co. DOWN. — Shortly after 9 A.M. the Coastguard reported that a barque about a mileN-W. of Copeland Islands was signalling for "immediate assistance." The Coxswain assembled his crew and launched the Life-boat Chapman. On arrival they found she was the barque Hjertness, of Sandefjord, bound from New Zealand to Glasgow •with a cargo of timber; one of her cables had parted and there was great risk, in the strong W.N.W. gale which was blowing, that the other might also carry away. The sea was so heavy that the Life-boat could not go alongside, so she was taken under the stern and by means of ropes the crew of twelve hands and a pilot were lowered into her. A dog which was on board was also rescued. Sail was then made and the boat beat back for Grooinsport • on the way they fell in with a tug -which towed them nearly home. On landing the men were in such a drenched, miserable and famished state that their immediate needs were cared for by the Honorary Secretary of the Branch.

MARYPORT, CUMBERLAND.—The gale of the 27th February, which is described as a " perfect hurricane," drove the Hougomont, a large four-masted vessel of 2,000 tons, ashore at Allonby, -when bound from San Francisco to Liverpool with a general cargo. As the tide rose the huge waves washed right over the vessel, and the crew, who were in. danger of being washed overboard, had to take refuge in the rigging. On information being sent to Maryport orders were given for the Life-boat Civil Service No. 5 to go to her assistance. Owing to there being no tug available and to the impossibility of the Life-boat getting out of the harbour without one, some delay was occasioned, but on the arrival of the Life-boat twenty-five of the hands on board were transferred to her and landed at Allonby. The tide had turned and was ebbing by this time, so the captain and six others elected to remain on board, and landed later. During the afternoon the Life-boat carriage was sent to Allonby and the Life-boat con- veyed back to her station by road.

PADSTOW, CORNWALL.—Shortly after noon on Sunday, the 1st March, it was reported that the steam trawler Birda, of Milford, was on the "Doombar" with the sea washing right over her. Rockets were at once fired, and while the crew were being assembled the pilots, who were on the spot, with the assistance of their wives and daughters, launched the Life-boat Arab in readiness. She pro- ceeded to the steamer and rescued the crew of nine men. The.re was a moderate W.N.W. gale with rough and squally weather. Rather later in the day, the weather having moderated somewhat, the captain requested the Coxswain to put him and his crew on board again, so that an attempt might be made to save the vessel when the tide made. The boat waslaunched and the crew conveyed to the steamer ; they then took a rope off to her from the capstan house, by means of which and her own engines she was eventually got off and taken into safety.

SOUTHEND, ESSEX.—At 9.30 A.M. on the 2nd March the Coxswain received a telegram from Shoebury that a barge had foundered. As a whole southerly gale was blowing, and a rough sea running, the Life-boat James Stevens No. 9 proceeded to her assistance. The barge Mary Ann, of London, was found close to the West Shoebury buoy in a sinking condition, but the Coxswain seeing another barge—the Edith, of Rochester—sunk at the Middle Buoy with the crew in the rigging, he went to her first and rescued the two men ; he then returned to the Mary Ann and, as she was making water rapidly, took her crew of two men into the Life-boat and landed all four about 1 A.M. He had just carried this out when a further message, stating that another barge was in distress, was received. The Life- boat once more immediately put to sea, but after a fruitless search for some hours, she returned again to her moorings.

YARMOUTH, NORFOLK.—The Life-boat John Bnrch was launched in the after- noon of the 9th March to the assistance of the schooner Arthur Wyatt, of Beau- maris, which was seen to run aground on the Scroby Sand while bound from Hull to Teignmouth with a cargo of coal. The Life-boatmen were at once engaged to try and save the vessel, and in this, with the assistance of a tug, they were successful and the Life-boat was re-housed by 8.30 P.M.

WEXFOED, IRELAND.—The Life-boat James Stevens No. 15 was launched on the" llth March in a strong S.S.W.

breeze and rough sea to the assistance of the yawl Gannett, of Wexford, which had grounded about a quarter of a mile from the Point Light. The boat was sailed to the mouth of the harbour and was there picked up by a tug, which towed her as near to the vessel as possible. She then ran down to the yawl, but by that time she was begin- ning, with the flood tide, to beat over the bank, so the Life-boat stood by until she was safe and then accompanied her into harbour, being re-housed about 5.30 P.M.