The same Life-boat was launched about 11.15 P.M., on the 9th March, inresponse to flares shown in Margate Roads by the steam launch Sterry, of Lowestoft, bound to Penzance with coal, which was found riding to her anchor in about four fathoms of water close to the land, with the seas breaking right over her. The launch being so small, and the sea so heavy, it was only with great difficulty the Life-boat was taken alongside, three attempts being unsuccessful. As soon as the Life-boat got near enough, the crew of three jumped on board. The Sterry was left riding to her anchor, and the crew were conveyed to Margate, arriving at 2.30 A.M. At daylight next morning1, the launch was found ashore under the cliffs. During this service the wind was blowing a strong gale from N.E.

accompanied by a rough sea. Two hours after the return of the Life-boat another vessel was reported in distress ; the crew were again summoned and the Life-boat launched. They proceeded in the direction of the signals, passing through an exceptionally heavy sea. At times the boat was quite buried, the sea making a clean sweep right over her ; she however cleared herself well and eventually the vessel, which proved to be the ketch Robert Henry, of Rye, was reached. Three attempts were made before they got alongside ; two men were placed on board, when the hawser carried away. With difficulty communication was again established, and five more men boarded her; the cable was then slipped, and after a considerable amount of hard work the ketch was rescued from her perilous position.

The Life-boat then returned ashore, Margate being reached at 8 A.M..