At 5.30 A.M. on the 18th February it was reported that signals of distress were being shown by a vessel ashore at Sand's Head. The crew of the Life-boat Queen Victoria were at once summoned and the Life-boat was launched. The steamer Ellington, of Newcastle, was found bump- ing heavily; at the request of the captain the Life-boat therefore stood by ready to render assistance. About four hours later, as there was little or nothing to be done, the Life-boat returned ashore for the crew to get food, and about mid- day she put off again and stood by the steamer until about 7.45 P.M., when the wind moderated and she returned ashore. Next morning tugs succeeded in getting the vessel off..