During a blinding snowstorm with the wind blow- ing a strong northerly gale, the ketch Myrtle, of Yarmouth carrying a crew of three hands was driven ashore near West Hartlepool Harbour, on the 20th February. The ketch was on a voyage from St. Andrews to London, with a cargo of potatoes when she sprung a leak. An attempt was made to reach Hartlepool but she drifted into broken water, lost her rudder and became un- manageable. A tug got communication with the ketch, but after about an hour's work had to abandon her, and the No. 2 Life-boat, Charles Ingleby, was launched at 10 A.M. to the rescue.

When the vessel was reached the heavy seas were washing right over her, but by skilful management the three hands were saved. The rescue was effected within view of hundreds of spectators who watched the scene with great in- terest, the behaviour of the boat being splendid. When she got clear of the stranded vessel an endeavour was made to regain the harbour and a tug put off and assisted her in..