LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

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Services of the Life-Boats of the Royal National Life-Boat Institution

CLOVELLY, DEVON.—During a thick fog, a strong W.S.W. breeze, and a rough sea on the night of the 16th February, the s.s. AMI, of Bilbao, stranded about two and a half miles to the westward of Clovelly and the crew took to the ship's boats. The steamer was bound from Newport to Bilbao with a cargo of 1,700 tons of coal at the time of the accident. About 10 P.M. the village of Clovelly was startled by loud shouts for help from sea in the direction of the back of the breakwater.

A boat was immediately launched and brought one of the Abril's boats with sixteen men in her into safety. The captain then reported that another boat with four men in her was missing; it was therefore decided to launch the Life-boat Elinor Hogel, and she searched all night. At about 2.45 A.M. the Lifeboat fell in with a tug and told her of her mission. The tug also joined in the search and some hours later they again made for the Life-boat and reported they had found the missing men and that they were on board. They were then transferred to the Elinor Roget, which returned to Clovelly, arriving about 9 A.M.

BEMBRIDGE, ISLE OF WIGHT. — 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 bumping 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 midday 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.

TOTLAND BAY, ISLE OF WIGHT.— The four-masted barque Inverness-shire, when coming up channel on the 19th February, in a strong gale and very heavy sea, hoisted signals for assistance when off Totland Bay.

The Life-boat Robert Fleming was promptly launched and on arrival the master inquired if the Life-boat could take them all aboard if necessity arose ; having been answered in the affirmative he asked that the boat should remain with him until tugs came to his assistance. About 4.30 in the afternoon a large tug came and took them in tow, the Life-boat remaining astern. On entering the Needles, three tow-ropes parted one after another, and the vessel was in great danger of going on the " Shingles," but a London tug, which fortunately was near at hand, steamed up and put a tow-rope aboard and took her into safety. The barque, which was over 2,000 tons register, was bound from Iquique to Antwerp, with a cargo of nitrate, and had a crew of thirty on board.

YARMOUTH, NORFOLK.—At 5.20 P.M.

on the 19th February, a schooner was observed aground on the Bell Buoy shoal. There was a moderate southerly gale at the time and the sea was heavy.

The Life-boat John Burch was therefore launched and proceeded to her. The vessel proved to be the Fiducia of Harburg, bound from that port to Southampton, and the master at once engaged the Life-boatmen to get his vessel off. This they succeeded in doing in about an hour and having got her to Yarmouth Roads a tug was engaged to tow the schooner which was leaking badly into harbour, the Life-boat remaining in attendance.

PALLING, NORFOLK.—At 5.30 A.M. on the 20th February, during a N.N. W. gale, with snow-squalls and a very heavy sea, the Coxswains and Coastguard observed a vessel in distress about half a mile south of Palling. The crew and helpers of the No. 1 Life-boat, 54 7« West Norfolk Regiment, were at once called out and the horses sent for. With great promptness the Life-boat was launched and proceeded to the vessel, which proved to be the ketch Lily of Harwich, bound from London to Newcastle with a cargo of old railway iron.

There were a crew of four hands on board, together with two dogs and a cat, and all were successfully rescued.

Owing to the strong tide the Life-boat made for Waxham and landed them there.

FLEETWOOD, LANCASHIRE.—At 2.15 A.M. on the 20th February, during a strong N.N.W. gale and very heavy surf, the Life-boat Maude Pickup was from Liverpool with a general cargo, which had gone ashore on the North Wharf; as soon therefore as the Life-boat had landed the crew of the Old Hunter she was again towed to sea. When in a favourable position, she cast off from the tug and sailed to the wreck, which was in very shallow water. The Lifeboat succeeded however in getting alongside, and took the crew, three in number, aboard.

After they had returned ashore and landed the men, it was seen that the schooner had floated with the flowing launched to a vessel in distress off Uossall Point. She proceeded—a tug towing her part of the way—in the face of the gale and heavy hail-showers to the vessel, which proved to be the schooner Old Hunter of Barrow-in-Furness, bound from Liverpool to Mevagissey with a cargo of coal. With much difficulty, owing to the heavy surf and shallow water, she rescued the crew of four hands; then returning to harbour.

When the Life-boat was being launched to the above vessel, signals of distress were also observed from the schooner Maggie Kelso of Dalbeattie, bound there tide and was drifting towards the mainland.

The Life-boat therefore again put to sea, and a tug took her to the vessel. Proceeding alongside, six Lifeboatmen boarded her, and accompanied by the boat they sailed her into harbour.

LOOE, CORNWALL.—At 2.10 P.M. on the 22nd February, when a whole S.S.E. gale was raging, a schooner, the St. Pierre of Nantes, was observed in distress. With praiseworthy rapidity the Life-boat Ryder was launched off the beach through a very heavy surf.

In heavy sleet-showers and against both wind and sea, the boat was pulled towards the schooner, which by this time was in broken water amongst the rocks, and in such a dangerous position that it was not possible to get to leeward of her. The Coxswain however managed his boat in a masterly manner.

Anchoring where safe, he veered down as near as possible to the wreck; he then threw a line on board, and by means of a lifebuoy attached hauled the crew of six, one by one, through the broken water into the Life-boat. The work of rescue was completed in a little over an hour, and the onlookers were loud in their praise of the manner in which the service was carried out.

CLOUGHEY, co. DOWN.-—At 5.15 in the morning of the 23rd February, the Coastguard reported that he had been watching a vessel for some time, and apparently she was on the North Rock.

The crew of the Life-boat Faith were assembled at the boat-house and kept in readiness, whilst steps were taken to ascertain if the vessel were ashore.

Shortly afterwards the weather cleared a little and a lai'ge steamer could be seen. The Life-boat was therefore launched at once and proceeded to her.

They found that she was an Italian steamer, the Themis of Genoa, bound from Glasgow to Spezzia with a cargo of pitch. The Life-boat brought eighteen of the crew ashore, and towed a boat containing their clothes. Seven men, however, decided to remain on board, and as a precaution the Life-boat was again sent to the steamer ; she remained some time, but only one more man wished to be landed and he was brought ashore during the afternoon. During this service the sea was heavy, but the east wind, which had been blowing a gale all night, had moderated a little.

The men who remained on board were eventually landed in a shore-boat.

CLACTON-ON-SEA, ESSEX.—About noon on the 23rd February, it was reported that a vessel was on the North Buxey Sand with a signal of distress flying.

The Life-boat Albert Edward was launched and proceeded to the vessel, which proved to be the schooner Renner of Arbroath, bound to Faversham with a cargo of potatoes. On arrival it was found that the crew were making preparations to leave the schooner and were putting their belongings in the ship's boat, but the Life-boatmen were I engaged to save the vessel if possible.

! Fifteen tons of cargo were jettisoned and an anchor laid out ; but on the next I flood tide it was seen that in spite of the pumps the water in the vessel was gaining and that it would be impossible to save her. At 1 A.M. on the 24th it i was decided to abandon her, and the j five men of the crew, together with j their dog, having been taken into the Life-boat, she made for Clacton. The j night was extremely cold and all the I men suffered considerably.

MARGATE, KENT. — The schooner Janie, i of Padstow, whilst bound from Llanelly to London, stranded during moderate weather on the 23rd February on the north-west part of the Tongue sand.

In response to signals from lightvessels the No. 1 Life-boat Eliza Harriet was launched and proceeded to the sands. The master stated on the arrival of the boat that he did not think he would require any assistance, but she remained close at hand until the schooner floated, and then finding that the vessel was not making any water she returned | home. The schooner was taken in tow I by a steamer.

CASTLETOWN, ISLE OF MAN. — About 11 P.M. on the 23rd February signals indicating a vessel in distress were ! observed from the Langness Lighthouse.

The Life-boat Thomas Black ; was launched, and on reaching Langness Point found the steamer Sarah Blanche, ; of Douglas, on the rocks.

The crew had abandoned her, and ! were in their boats with their effects.

The Coxswain of the Life-boat persuaded them to return, and having put some of the Life-boat crew on board, | they succeeded in getting the steamer off the rocks and took her into Castletown Harbour.

YORKSHIRE. — In very cold weather, during heavy snow-showers, the Life-boat Hollon the Second was launched on the 25th February, to assist a vessel which was reported ashore under Speeton Cliffs. On reaching the vessel it was found that she had lost her rudder and propeller, and that the fore compartment was full of water.

At the request of the Captain the Lifeboat stood by the vessel in case the efforts to float her were not successful, but at high water, with the aid of two tugs, the steamer was floated and taken to Scarborough. The vessel was the steam-trawler Pearl, of Grimsby, and at the time of the accident she was bound to Grimsby with a cargo of fish.

NEWBIGGIN, NORTHUMBERLAND.—The Life-boat Robert and Susan was called out about 6.30 A.M. on the 25th February, to the assistance of the Barque Marthe Boux, of Havre, which had stranded on some dangerous rocks about three-quarters of a mile to the south of Newbiggin; she was bound at the time from San Francisco to Leith with a cargo of grain. The wind had been blowing a gale from S.E. during the night, but towards morning veered to S.W. The Life-boat stood by the barque for some hours and then returned, as the crew had decided to remain on board.

At 1 P.M. signals were observed from the vessel and the Life-boat put off again and assisted to salve her. In this they were successful, and the barque was taken to Blyth Harbour.

PETERHEAD, ABERDEENSHIRE.— During the morning of the 26th February the wind freshened into a N.W. gale with a moderate sea. About 6.30 a message was received from the Coastguard that a schooner was ashore at Scotston Head, and the crew of the Life-boat George Pickard were assembled and the boat launched. On reaching the vessel she was found to be the San rigJi, of Wick, bound from Methil to Wick, with a cargo of coal. The crew declined to leave her, and the Life-boat stood by until 11 A.M., when she was floated.

GIRVAN, AYRSHIRE.—The Girvan fishing fleet were out fishing early on the morning of the 28th February, when a gale sprang up from S.W., which veered to N.W. and increased in violence. All the boats reached harbour safely with the exception of four, and about 11 A.M.

one of them was seen returning. As the gale was still very strong and the sea very heavy, the crew were summoned and the Life-boat James Stevens No. 18 made ready for launching ; three of the boats however made the harbour safely.

About 4 P.M. the last of the boats, the Aliped, was seen approaching, and as both wind and sea were very bad, the Life-boat was launched and assisted her into safety.

NEWBIGGIN, NORTHUMBERLAND.—On the 3rd March in consequence of the westerly wind increasing to a gale—the sea already being high—the small fishing coble Royal, which was at 12.30 P.M.

about six miles off Newbiggin with no other vessel near her, was considered to be in danger. The Life-boat Robert and Susan was launched and sailing out to her accompanied her into harbour.

BULL BAY, ANGLESEY.—Shortly after 11 A.M. on Sunday morning the 4th March, a message was sent to the Coxswain of the Life-boat that a vessel was ashore between the " East Mouse " and the mainland. Steps were at once taken to launch the Life-boat James Cullen, and by 11.40 the vessel was reached. She proved to be the ketch Eliza Jane, of Beaumaris, bound from Fishguard to Amlwch in ballast. It was not necessary to give any active assistance, but as the ketch had a considerable list and was bumping heavily the Life-boat stood by her until 1.30 P.M., when she floated off on the tide, and got into Amlwch Harbour.

There was a moderate sea, and the wind was blowing strongly from W.S.W.

DROGHEUA, co. LOUTH.—The fishingsmack Rosebud, of Dublin, when making for the harbour about 11 A.M. on the 7th March, was driven on the south wall close to the bar. It was blowing a moderate gale from S.W., and the vessel commenced to bump heavily and for some time she was in a very dangerous position. Signals were made, and the Life-boat Rose Beddington was immediately launched to her assistance. In the meantime the tide was ebbing, and just when the Life-boat went alongside the craft heeled over and slipped into deep water. The Life-boat remained by her until it was ascertained that she was not making water, and then returned ashore. The captain of the smack stated that the accident was due to a mishap to his rudder, and expressed his thanks for the prompt manner in which the Life-boat went to his help.

CAJSTEE, NORFOLK.—The brigantine Lady Constance, of West Hartlepool, when bound from London to West Hartlepool in ballast on the 7th March, stranded on the Barber Sands. Information was given at 1.45 P.M., and the No. 1 Life-boat Covent Garden was immediately launched and proceeded to the vessel. She was bumping heavily and appeared likely to go to pieces, the crew working constantly at the pumps.

As the tide was flowing the Life-boat lay alongside the vessel, and about two hours later she came off, making water badly, but the services of the Life-boat not being wanted any longer she returned ashore.

MONTROSE, FOKPAKSHIEE.—During a S.W. moderate gale and moderate sea on the afternoon of the 7th March, the steam-trawler Annie Walker, of Dundee, stranded on the Annat Bank, and about 6 P.M. a tug went to her, but her assistance was declined. About 7.20 however signals were made for help, and the No. 2 Life-boat Marianne Atherstone was launched, and proceeded to the trawler. Five of the crew were taken | into the boat, but the remainder, three in number, elected to stop on board hoping to save the ,trawler. The Life- j boat remained in the vicinity until 9.30 P.M., when the master and the other two men, seeing that she was full of water and the hatches had been washed away, signalled to the Life-boat to return and rescue them. This she did, and the men, eight in number, were landed in safety about 10 P.M.

THURSO, CAITHNESS-SHIRE. — Soon after midnight, on the 10-11th March, signals of distress were observed from the schooner Barbara, of Wick, an-chored in the roadstead. As the wind was blowing a hurricane from N.N.E. and the vessel was dragging her anchors, the .crew of the Life-boat Co-operator No. 3 was summoned, and with very great difficulty the boat was launched, the trouble being caused by the tremendous run which at times washed the launchers off their feet.

Once afloat, the Life-boat quickly reached the schooner, and, having rescued the crew of four, she landed them at Scrabster. In the heavy sea it was impossible to get the Life-boat back to her house; she was therefore left at anchor in the harbour until the weather moderated.

PORTHDINLLAEN, CARNARVONSHIRE.

The schooner Catherine and Margaret, of Portmadoc, was at anchor on the llth March, in Porthdinllaen Bay, when in the prevailing N.N.W. gale her anchors commenced to drag. Signals of distress were made, and the Life-boat Barbara Fleming was promptly despatched to her assistance and rescued the four men on board, bringing them and their dog in safety ashore. The schooner afterwards drifted ashore and sunk, the seas washing completely over her.

Within half an hour of the Life-boat returning to her mooring, a steamer was seen coming into the Bay with a signal of distress flying. The Barbara Fleming again proceeded to sea and went alongside. The vessel proved to be the s.s. Wildrose, of London, with eight men on board, bound from Liverpool to Spain, with a cargo of wheat.

The Captain reported that he had lost his anchors and chains, and that others were required. The Coxswain explained that he was unable to supply them, and the Captain then asked if the Life-boatmen could take the vessel into safety, the sea being very rough, and the wind still blowing a strong gale. This they agreed to do; and some of the crew having been placed on board, the steamer, accompanied by the Life-boat, was taken to Henborth, where she was moored in safety on a sandy beach.

This service, which resulted in saving both the ship and her crew, was performed in very heavy weather and the behaviour of the Life-boat was reported to have been excellent. Large numbers of spectators were on the cliffs and were loud in their praises of the boat.

NEWHAVEN, SUSSEX.—Whilst making for Newhaven Harbour on the 13th March in a W. by S. moderate gale and very heavy sea, the French fishing-boat T. R. 47 stranded about a quarter of a mile to the eastward. The Life-boat was promptly launched, but whilst proceeding to the vessel a heavy sea struck one of the oars so violently that it lifted a man overboard. He was quickly rescued, and happily was little the worse for his unpleasant experience.

The master of the fishing-boat? declined any help, but as the sea was breaking over the craft, the Life-boat stood by her for upwards of an hour, when they succeeded in getting clear. The Lifeboat then returned to harbour.

SELSEY, SUSSEX.—About 7.30 A.M. on the 14th March, during a fog and misty rain, the s.s. Copeland, of Glasgow, bound from London to Southampton, stranded at Eastborough Head. In answer to signals of distress from the Owers Light-vessel and the steamer, the Life-boat Lucy Newbon was launched with all haste and proceeded to the vessel.

On reaching her, the Captain asked the Life-boat to stand by him, as the steamer had sprung a leak. This they did until 10.20 A.M., when a successful attempt was made to get the vessel off.

The steamer then made for Southampton, accompanied some distance by the Life-boat; but when it was found that no further assistance was likely to be required, the boat returned to Selsey.

BUDE, CORNWALL.—The ketch President Garfield, of Bidef ord, was proceeding to sea from Bude at about 8.40 A.M. on the 14th March, in a moderate N.E.

breeze and considerable ground swell.

On the vessel reaching the bar, the wind fell very light, causing her to drift to the north side of the harbour in heavy broken water, and she drove on to the rocks. The Life-boat Elizabeth Moore Garden was without loss of time sent to her assistance. Some little difficulty was experienced in getting alongside the ketch, owing to the heavy seas breaking over her but the crew of three hands were successfully rescued, the Life-boat behaving splendidly.

NEWBIGGIN, NORTHUMBERLAND.—On the 14th March, when a fresh southerly breeze was blowing, and a rough sea was | running, the fishing-coble Sunbeam was j delayed some hours behind the others, in consequence of the night being very dark with snow falling heavily and the high sea. It was known that a great deal of difficulty would be experienced in reaching the landing place, and considerable anxiety was felt for the safety of those on board. At 8.15 P.M., at the urgent request of the relatives of the men at sea, the Life-boat Robert and Susan was launched and sent to their assistance. The coble was found a short distance from the shore, and the Life-boat having attended her into safety returned ashore and was rehoused.

EASTBOURNE, SUSSEX.—In very wet and cold weather the Life-boat James Stevens No. 6 was engaged during the whole of the 18th March in assisting to save a vessel which had run on to a reef of rocks under Beachy Head. At 7.30 A.M. the vessel was sighted, and within a quarter of an hour of the time the information reached the Coxswain, the Life-boat was on her way to the vessel. She proved to be the schooner Laura Williamson, of Boston, bound from Redbridge to Newcastle with a cargo of scrap iron, and had run ashore in the fog. Just before reaching the schooner the Life-boat met the ship's boat with the crew of four, making for Eastbourne to obtain assistance. The James Stevens No. 6 took them on board and proceeded to the wreck. Every effort was made to try and float the vessel, whilst the pumps were kept hard at work, but without success. The Lifeboat in the meantime stood by ready to render assistance, and after a time the crew, fearing the mast would go by the board, desired to leave the schooner ; the Life-boat therefore took them off. Later a further attempt was made, and by the united efforts of the crew, the Life-boatmen and a tug, the schooner was pulled clear, and accompanied by the Life-boat, taken to Newhaven. Newhaven was reached about 6 P.M., and after food and rest the James Stevens No. 6 started for Eastbourne, the crew reaching home at midnight quite exhausted, after a very heavy day's work under trying conditions.

WEXFORD, co. WEXFORD.— About 3.15 P.M. on the 18th March, the yawl | Puffin, of Wexford, with a crew of six hands, grounded on the west side of the bar, when coming into port from the fishing-grounds. The crew of the Lifeboat James Stevens No. 15 were at once assembled and the boat proceeded to the assistance of the imperilled men.

There was a S.S.W. gale blowing with a heavy confused sea, and the weather was becoming worse. The Life-boat beat out over the bar, and anchored to windward of the disabled craft with the view of veering down to her, but owing to the awkward position in which the vessel lay when the Life-boat attempted to approach, she took the ground in the hollow of each wave, and in the breaking seas was constantly filled to the gunwale.

For upwards of three hours repeated efforts were made under these trying circumstances, until a favourable opportunity occurred and a line was thrown to the doomed craft. By this means a heavier rope was drawn on board and the Life-boat worked near to the wreck, great skill being displayed by the Coxswain and crew throughout the service. The approach to the wreck was attended with great risk, the main boom swinging to and fro as the vessel rolled in the high and confused sea, it being a constant menace to the gallant Life-boatmen. By this time the fishing-boat was so deep in the water that her deck amidships was awash, and the crew, six in number, had taken refuge in the fore part, where they waited wet through by the breaking seas and perished by the cold. At last a favourable chance came, and the six men, who had been face to face with death had the Life-boat failed them, were safe. No time was lost in making for Wexford, where the shipwrecked men in a pitiable condition were landed.

The Life-boat then returned to her station, the crew being thoroughly exhausted from cold and wet. The fishing-boat went to pieces shortly after the men had been saved.

The Committee of Management marked their appreciation of this gallant and excellent service by awarding the silver medal to the Coxswain Superintendent, Mr. Edward Wickham, and an additional monetary reward to him and each of the crew.

PADSTOW, CORNWALL.—At 9.30 P.M.

on the 19th March, it was reported by telephone that a vessel had grounded on the Doom Bar, whilst trying to make the harbour. The crew of the No. 1 Life-boat, Arab, were at once summoned and the boat launched. On the arrival of the Life-boat she was found to be the ketch Selina Jane of Bristol, bound from Wadebridge with a cargo of salt. She was bumping heavily and leaking somewhat badly, but the crew, assisted by the Life-boat, succeeded in getting her into the channel with the loss of her rudder, and otherwise damaged. Some of the Lifeboat- men were put on board and assisted at the pumps, but after bringing her up off Chapel Bar she became unmanagable, and with some difficulty the Lifeboatmen beached her to prevent her sinking in the channel. There was a strong N.E. breeze blowing and a rough sea running at the time.

MARGATE, KENT.-—The No. 1 Lifeboat Eliza Harriet was launched at 4.35 A.M. on the 22nd March, during a strong N.E. gale, to the assistance of the barge Tollesbury of Ramsgate, which had stranded on the Longnose Rocks.

On arrival it was found that the barge was in a very dangerous position with a shore-boat alongside, but owing to the heavy seas the shore-boat was compelled to leave the barge, the heavy seas dashing right over her. Seven Lifeboatmen were placed on board and another anchor let go, and when the tide had made sufficiently to get her clear, she was taken in a leaking condition to Margate harbour.

SUNDERLAND, NORTH DOCK, DURHAM.

—At 10 A.M. on the 26th March the brig Arendal of Tonsburg, bound to Sunderland with a cargo of props, was making for the harbour, when she came to grief. There was a heavy sea running at the time and the vessel struck the bar and remained fast. The Lifeboat George Wooftndin was promptly launched and proceeded alongside and rescued the crew of eight hands, landing them safely at the North Dock.

Later in the day the Life-boat again put to sea, and with two tugs, succeeded in salving the vessel and her cargo.

YARMOUTH, NORFOLK. — During a moderate N.N.E. breeze on the 31st March the dandy Susie of Yarmouth was seen to go ashore on the Bell Buoy shoal and to begin to bump heavily in the rough sea. It was then 4.30 P.M. and within a few minutes the Life-boat John Burch was launched and on the way to assist her. The master asked that the Life-boat should stand by him as his vessel was leaking. In the meantime steps were taken by the crew to try and get the vessel clear, and about 8.30 P.M. a tug succeeded in towing her off and into Yarmouth harbour.

BROUGHTY FERRY, FORPABSHIRE.— Information reached Broughty Ferry between 7 and 8 P.M. on the 3rd April that a steam trawler was ashore on the Goa Bank, and signalling for assistance.

The crew of the Life-boat Samuel Shawcross were summoned and the boat proceeded down the river until picked up by a tug, which towed her to the stranded vessel. The distressed trawler proved to be the Robina of Aberdeen, stranded in the thick weather. She was bumping heavily and the Life-boat stood by her for upwards of two hours, but as there appeared to be no danger the crew remained on board, and the ] Life-boat returned to Broughty Ferry, ' conveying the engineer to enable him to communicate with his owners. ! I NEWBIGGIN, NOBTHUMBEBLAND.—On i the 4th April when eight of the cobles were at sea fishing, the S.E. wind in- ; creased, and the sea rose very rapidly, j As it was seen that they would have to I land through a heavy surf the Life-boat I was launched and stood by them until they reached safety.

SCARBOROUGH, YORKSHIRE.—On the I night of the 13th April a strong N. gale suddenly sprang up, and about i 11.30 P.M. one of the cobles returning j from the lobster pots reported that the ' weather was very bad at sea, and not fit for any coble to come in without assistance. It was therefore considered advisable to launch the Life-boat Queensbury.

It being nearly low water, there was some difficulty ia getting the Lifeboat down to the beach, but valuable assistance was lent by some of the fishermen's wives to effect a good launch.

The Life-boat had proceeded about half a mile when she fell in with the coble Lizzie, and escorted her safely into harbour. She again put to sea and signalled to another coble which was some distance off, but apparently she ! did not require help and as the weather ; moderated, the Life-boat returned ashore j and was re-housed.

HASTINGS, SUSSEX. — On the 26th April a vessel was observed on fire off Hastings, and the Life-boat Charles Arkoll was launched to render assistance if necessary. The vessel proved to be the steamer Lugano of Hamburg, homeward bound from Baltimore with a general cargo. The fire was discovered when they were off Beachy Head, and on the arrival of the Life-boat soon after 1 P.M. active steps were being taken by those on board to extinguish the flames.

The Life-boatmen gave what help they could and the boat stood by the burning steamer until six o'clock the next morning, when the tugs with the vessel being sufficient protection, the Life-boat returned ashore.

STAITHES, YORKSHIRE.—It was a somewhat stormy evening on the 30th April, and in consequence only two cobles put to sea. The E.N.E. wind was light but the sea was heavy, and towards nightfall became heavier; the Coxswain therefore launched the Life-boat to protect the boats. Meanwhile one of them succeeded in getting ashore, but the other awaited the Life-boat and was escorted in without accident.