COURTMACSHERRY, CO. CORK. On the 1st January, 1904, the Life-boat Kezia Gwilt rendered very useful service to the barque Faulconnier, of Dunkirk.

During a strong breeze from E.S.E. and rough sea, with somewhat hazy weather, the barque stranded, about 6.30 A.M., in a very exposed and rocky position known as the Seven Heads, about four miles by land from Courtmacsherry.

Her lights were seen by the people at the Cove close by, and a messenger was despatched for the Life-boat. In the meantime a yawl manned by six local fishermen put off1 to succour the crew of twenty-six men who had taken to their boats, but owing to the heavy sea breaking were unable to land. The shore-boat made two trips, bringing fifteen of the men ashore, but while returning the second time a heavy sea struck the boat, throwing all her occupants into the water; happily they allmanaged to get ashore, some being badly bruised. Eleven of the ship's company still remained to be saved; the Life-boat was on its way, and they managed to keep the boat end on to the sea until she reached them. Their position was one of great peril; to starboard, within 200 or 300 yards, was a dangerous reef of rocks, while on the port side the ship lay wrecked on another reef. After strenuous efforts and considerable risk the Life-boat reached them and took them aboard; she then made for Gourtmacsherry, where the men, who were all French, were duly cared for.

The greatest credit is due to the fishermen who put off in the shoreboat to assist the shipwrecked men, and they were rewarded by the Institution for their bravery. The Faulconnier was a large barque of 1,715 tons, and was bound from San Francisco toQueenstown, with a cargo of corn, when this disaster overtook her; she eventually became a total wreck..