The barge Mabel, whilst proceeding from Chichester Harbour to Portsmouth on the 8th February, was caught in a heavy squall when off Hayling Island and dismasted. The Master at once let go his anchor, and made signals of distress. In response, the Life-boat Charlie and Adrian was launched, and reached the barge about 11.45 A.M. It was blowing a gale from W.S.W., with very heavy squalls, and a heavy sea was running, but in the hope of saving his vessel the Master requested the Life boat to stand by him, ready to render assistance. A tug was signalled for, but at 3 P.M. no further help having arrived, the Master decided to abandon his craft, as both he and his Mate were suffering from their exposure in the extreme cold. Both were taken into the Life-boat, which returned ashore and was rehoused by 5 P.M..