LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

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The S.S. Holywell

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..