During a thick sea fog on the 14th May a message was received from the Coastguard that a vessel was ashore about half a mile to the west of Beachy Head. The wind was blowing strongly from W.S.W. and the sea was rough.

Without delay the Life-boat Michael Henry was launched and proceeded to the scene of the disaster; on arrival they found the schooner Emma Louise, of Harburg, stranded, whereupon the crew of six hands were promptly taken into the Life-boat, which afterwards safely landed them at Newhaven..