PALLING, NORFOLK.—About 1 A.M.

on the 9th March the schooner Vixen of Fowey was wrecked on the beach about two and a half miles to the north of Palling. She was laden with burnt ore and was bound from London to the Tyne. The crew consisted of six hands.

When she stranded the wind was blowing a strong gale from N.N.W. and the sea was very heavy. The Coastguard reported the casualty to the Coxswain of the Life-boat and with all despatch he assembled the crew and obtained horses. The No. 1 Life-boat 54:tJi West Norfolk Regiment was transported on her carriage along the beach to a suitable launching place, progress at times being delayed by the breakwaters.

The boat was launched between 4 and 5 A.M., but before she could reach the wreck the mizen mast went by the board. On the boat coming alongside five of the crew were with difficulty rescued, the work in. the darkness being impeded by the fallen mast and wreckage, and the mainmast threatened to fall every time the vessel rolled.

The master on getting into the Lifeboat stated that there was still a man in the rigging, who could not clear himself as he was numbed and incapacitated by the cold and exposure. One of the Life-boat crew, James Pestle, Junior, boarded the wreck together with the master, and at great risk the former climbed the rigging of the tottering mast and ultimately, with some assistance from the master, got the man, who was a Russian, down. He and the master were then helped into the Life-boat, but before Pestle could regain her the sea drove the Life-boat away from the wreck. It was a considerable time before she could be worked back to the wreck, and during this time Pestle was in great danger of being washed overboard, as the seas made a clean breach over the wreck, and in addition there was considerable risk of the wreck going to pieces. Happily, however, the Life-boat got back and Pestle was rescued. The boat then returned ashore, having performed an excellent service.

The Committee of Management as a special mark of appreciation of the courage and bravery displayed by Pestle conferred on him the silver medal of the Institution and to him and to each member of the crew they granted an additional pecuniary reward.

PORTRUSH, co. ANTRIM. — At 10.10 P.M. on the 9th March information was received from the Coastguard that a vessel was ashore at the mouth of the River Bann, which required assistance.

The Life-boat Hopwood was launched and proceeded to the place indicated, but in the darkness and heavy surf the Coxswain was unable to get alongside. He remained in the vicinity of the vessel until daylight and then boarded her. Four of the crew desired to be landed. They were therefore taken into the Life-boat which conveyed them ashore; the remainder, four in number, stopped on board to try and save the vessel. During this service the weather was thick with occasional sleet showers, the wind blew strongly from the N.W. and the sea was rough. The vessel was the steamer Loch Doon of Glasgow, and was bound from Maryport to Coleraine, with a cargo of coal.

HOLYHEAD, ANGLESEY. — On the evening of the 16th March the S.W.

wind at Holyhead is reported to have reached the force of a hurricane, and at 8.35 P.M. signals of distress were observed from the brigantine Fortuna, of Glasgow, and the ketch Esmeralda, of Milford, which were at anchor in the outer roads. The steam Life-boat Duke of Northumberland was with promptness despatched to their assistance, and found that the anchors of both vessels were dragging. The crews of five hands were rescued from the Fortuna and two hands from the Esmeralda, the Life-boat then returned ashore. The sea was very rough but happily both vessels rode out the gale in safety. The Fortuna was bound at the time from Tynemouth to Glasgow with a cargo of china clay, whilst the Esmeralda was on her way to Portmadoc laden with gunpowder.

ABERSOCH, CARNARVONSHIRE. —The Life-boat Oldham was launched on service at 11 P.M. on the 16th March in answer to signals of distress made by the schooner Two Brothers, of Carnarvon.

There was a whole S.S.W.

gale blowing and a very heavy sea, and on arrival at the vessel it was found that she had parted one of her chains and was in danger of drifting ashore. The four men on board were rescued and landed at Penrhyndu Point. During the night the wind veered to the west and the schooner rode out the gale. At 7 A.M.

the crew were able to return on board and took the schooner into Pwllheli Harbour to await the arrival of new cable and anchor. The vessel was bound for Cork at the time with a cargo of slates.

CLOUGHEY, co. DOWN.—About 10 P.M.

on the 16th March the wind veered to the west and increased to a gale, and half an hour later the Coastguard reported that a ketch, which was at anchor in the bay, was making signals of distress.

The crew of the Life-boat John were immediately summoned and the boat was launched. On reaching the ketch the master stated that he was afraid of his cables parting and his vessel going on to the rocks. The crew of three hands were therefore taken into the Life-boat which then made for her station. On nearing the beach the surf was tofi heavy for them to land, and the Life-boat lay off until 2.30 in the morning, when the tide having ebbed, they were able to come ashore. The ketch was the Witch of Wave, of Belfast, trading between that port and Portaferry. When the crew were landed the vessel was still riding to her anchors.

THE LIZARD, CADGWITH, COVERACK, and PORTHLEVEN, CORNWALL.—A disaster of such magnitude as seldom occurs on the coast of the United Kingdom took place off Cornwall on the night of the 17th March. Thanks to the prompt action of the Life-boats in the neighbourhood and the splendid discipline maintained on board it was happily unattended by loss of life.

In a dense fog at 10.30 P.M. the 3.S. Suevio, of Liverpool, ran on to the Maenheere Reef off the Lizard. The vessel, a White Star liner of upwards of 12,000 tons, was on. her way home crom Australia with five hundred and twenty - four persons on board and carried a general cargo. There was a strong S.W. wind and a heavy sea at the time. The signals of distress were speedily responded to by the Lifeboats at the Lizard and Cadgwith Admiral Sir George Back and Minnie Moon, and further aid was summoned by telephone from Coverack, Porthleven and Mullion. Two of the ship's boats were lowered and promptly filled with women and children, but fortunately the two Life-boats arrived before they had proceeded far from the steamer, as they were in great danger owing to the officers in charge having no knowledge of the rocks all around them. The Lizard Life-boat took one in tow to Polpear, where, putting a Life-boat man on board, they slipped the boat close to the beach and returned to the wreck. The other boat was picked up by the Cadgwith Life-boat, and the Honorary Secretary o? that branch o£ the Institution, the Rev. H. Vyvyan, being on board, he jumped into the ship's boat, and, slipping the tow rope in order to allow the Life-boat to return to the vessel, successfully piloted the boat ashore through the rocky and dangerous channel. He then attempted to return to the steamer in the boat but the ship's sailors were not strong enough and the boat was thrown upon the rocks and stove in. Happily no life was lost but the boat could not be floated. The Honorary Secretary then awaited the return of the Lizard Life-boat with another load of passengers, when he again proceeded to the wreck, where he assisted generally and superintended taking the passengers on board.

In the meantime the other Life-boats, Constance Melanie and John Francis White, from Coverack and Porthleven, had arrived upon the scene, and the work of rescue was continued throughout the night. Between 3 and 4 o'clock in the morning the weather was at its worst, but neither this nor the intense darkness hindered the Lifeboat men's hazardous task, and by noon the next day everyone was in safety.

Of the passengers one hundred and sixty were women and children, sixty of the latter being infants under three years of age, and the whole of this number were saved without accident.

Two seamen, named GEORGE ANDERSON and WILLIAM WILLIAMS, specially distinguished themselves. They carried the children down the rope-ladders, and when the Life-boats, which were surging up and down, rose on the waves, dropped them into the arms of the Life-boat men, who tended them until the mothers were lowered over the side and, steadied by the men, were also skilfully dropped into the boats.

The indomitable pluck and perseverance displayed by all during the service was much appreciated. Owing to the skilful handling of the boats no loss of life occurred, but when the work was over the battered condition of boats' wales and their damaged hulls were speaking testimony of the task which had been so meritoriously carried out.

The lives credited to the respective Life-boats are as follows :— Cadgwith Lizard Coverack Porthleven 227 167 44 18 The remainder, 68 in number, were conveyed in the ship's boats to tugs which were in attendance.

In addition to the monetary rewards granted to the crews and helpers amounting to upwards of 4001., the Committee of Management granted the silver medal of the Institution to the Rev. H. VYVYAN, the Honorary Secreat Cadgwith, in recognition of his gallant and arduous services. A similar honour was bestowed on E. RUTTER, Coxswain Superintendent of the Cadgwith Life-boat, W. H. MITCHELL, Coxswain Superintendent and EDWIN MITCHELL, Assistant Coxswain of the Lizard Life-boat, and special pecuniary awards were given to the crews of Coverack and Porthleven Life-boats.

To the two seamen who took such a meritorious part in the rescue the silver medal was also granted, together with a monetary reward of ten pounds.

HOPE COVE, SOUTH DEVON. — At about 2.15 A.M. on the 18th March, the Elder Dempster steamer Jetiba,ot London, from Sierra Leone, with passengers, mails, and general cargo, went ashore near Bolt Tail. When the vessel stranded she ran on to the rocks close under the cliffs, and remained fast.

The Life-boat Alexandra was launched, and on arriving at the steamer found she was lying broadside to the shore with her outside rail under water and a heavy sea breaking over her. At each end of the steamer were rocks, making it impossible for the Life-boat to get on the land side of her, and to take off the passengers and crew, who numbered 155, it would have been necessary to haul them by ropes through the sea.

By the time the Life-boat reached the steamer, the rocket apparatus had got communication from the cliff, and was working. By this means, and ropes from the shore, all on board were, with the able assistance of the local fishermen, happily saved, the Life-boat in the meantime standing by in case her services should be wanted. The rescue operations were skilfully carried out, and shortly after all had been saved the ship filled with water.

ARBROATH, FORFARSIIIRE.—The steam trawler Philorth, of Dundee, left Dundee Harbour at 1.30 A.M. on the 18th March, bound for the fishing grounds, and at 3.45 she was seen from Arbroath Harbour to run on to the rocks about one mile to the eastward, and make signals of distress. Information was at once sent to the Coxswain of the Life-boat James Stevens No. 12, and at 4.5 A.M. the boat was launched. She proceeded under sails and oars towards the trawler, which was found in a very dangerous position on the rocks. A tug also proceeded to the trawler, but was unable to get close enough to get a line fast. The Life-boat offered to convey a line to the tug, but this assistance was declined by the Master. The offer to land the crew was also declined, but the cook of the vessel was at his own request taken into the Life-boat and conveyed to Arbroath. The S.S.W.

wind was light at the time of this service, and the sea moderate.

NEWHAVEN, SUSSEX. — During a moderate westerly gale and heavy sea on the 18th March, information reached Newhaven at 7.25 A.M. that a steamer was ashore one mile west of Cuckmere.

The Life-boat was promptly launched and proceeded to the place where they found the s.s. Newstead, of Newcastle —a large steamer of nearly 3000 tons — ashore. The Captain requested the Life-boat to stand by him, and later when two tugs arrived they ran hawsers to them, but all attempts to float the vessel failed. The Life-boat remained with the vessel until the evening of the following day, when about 7 P.M. it was decided to abandon her, and the crew of twenty-three were taken into the boat.

Owing to the rough sea and the state of tide, it was impossible for the Life-boat to get to Newhaven, she therefore made for the beach, and when nearing it two of the Life-boat men swam and waded ashore with lines, and with the assistance of the onlookers the boat was pulled up on to the beach. Two men were left in charge of the boat, and the crew returned by land to Newhaven, arriving at 10.30 P.M. This was a very excellent service resulting in twenty-three lives being saved, and the endurance of the Life-boat men was severely tried, they having been on duty in cold and heavy weather continuously from 7.30 A.M. on the 18th until 10.30 P.M. on the 19th March. As the weather continued heavy a tug was sent on the 20th near to the scene of the wreck, and towed the Life-boat back to Newhaven.

WINCHELSEA, SUSSEX.—The s.s-. Swan, of Sunderland, whilst bound from Havre to the Tyne, stranded on the 28th March about 50 yards to the westward of Rye Harbour. There was a moderate W.S.W. gale at the time, and the sea was heavy. The coastguard watchman having reported the casualty, the Lifeboat John William Dudley was launched.

At the request of the Master the Life-boat stood by the steamer in case of accident, but on the flowing tide she succeeded in getting off under her own steam and proceeded. The Life-boat then returned ashore.

WHITBY, YORKSHIRE.—The fishing coble Robert and Mary had gone off fishing early in the morning of the 23rd March, and when returning at 8.30 A.M.

it was seen that her passage over the bar would be attended with considerable peril for those on board, as the sea had become very rough. The Life-boat Robert and Mary Ellis therefore proceeded to the bar and accompanied the coble into safety, the men being wet through by the seas breaking over the boat.

WHITBY, YORKSHIRE.—On the 3rd April when the fishing fleet were returning from fishing a nasty cross sea was running at the harbour entrance, caused by a strong easterly breeze which had been blowing, and the broken sea on the bar together with the ebb tide was very dangerous. The Life-boat Robert and Mary Ellis proceeded to the bar at 10 A.M. and escorted all the cobles in.

Several had very narrow escapes of being swamped, but happily all made the harbour without loss of life. The rocket apparatus was also in attendance during this service.

FILEY, YORKSHIRE.—At 6 A.M. on the 4th April nine of the cobles belonging to Filey went off fishing, in a moderate N.E. breeze. Later the sea increased very much, and at 9 A.M. one coble returned and reported the sea outside was very rough for the cobles. When the other eight cobles were seen approaching, the Life-boat Hollon the Second was launched and escorted them into safety.

In two cases life-belts were lent to the men on the cobles.

WHITBY, YORKSHIRE.—On the 5th April a heavy broken sea on the bar prevented the majority of the fishing fleet from putting out to sea, but three of the cobles ventured out, incurring great risk and causing considerable excitement. About 1.30 two of them returned and anchored in the roads.

As it was seen they were unable to regain the harbour, the No. 1 Life-boat Robert and Mary Ellis proceeded to them and brought them in. Shortly after 4 P.M. the other coble also returned; the Life-boat again proceeded to the bar and assisted that also.

HOWTH, co. DUBLIN. — During a moderate S.S.E. gale on the 5th April a vessel was observed at 4.15 P.M. with a signal of distress flying, and as it was apparent that she required assistance, the Life-boat James Stevens No. 7 was sent out. The Life-boat reached the vessel about two miles to the north of Howth Harbour, heading for Baldoyle Sands. The Master stated that his vessel was sinking, there being seven feet of water in the hold, and the crew exhausted from working the pumps.

The Coxswain advised him to anchor his vessel, which he did, and the crew of three men were taken into the Life-boat, which returned to harbour, arriving at 6.20 P.M.

The vessel was the smack Prosperity, of Carnarvon, bound from that port to Dundalk with a cargo of slates.

Later in the evening the weather moderated, and at 10.30 P.M. the Lifeboat again proceeded to the abandoned vessel and succeeded in bringing her into harbour at 1.45 A.M. next morning.

MONTROSE, FORFARSHIRE. At 7.15 A.M. on the 6th April a schooner was seen making for the harbour entrance the wind then being south with a heavy sea on the bar, and a quarter of an hour later when the vessel had just got inside the river, the wind suddenly changed to W.S.W., driving the ship in the strong current on to the Annat Bank. As she was exposed to the full force of the sea which broke over her, it was considered desirable to send the Lifeboat to her assistance. The No. 2 boat Marianne Atherstone, was launched but just before she reached the vessel, which was the Marie, of Kjoge, laden with coals from Bo'ness, she managed to get clear of the bank. The Life-boat stood by her to see if any assistance was required, but finding it was not she returned to her station.

CLACTON-ON-SEA, ESSEX.—The ketch Sdbine, of Treguier, when bound from Colchester to London on the 7th April, stranded on the Buxey Sand. The northerly wind was moderate and the sea smooth, but as she was on a lee shore with the tide falling it was considered advisable to launch the Life-boat.

The assembly signal was fired at about 11 A.M. and within twelve minutes the Life-boat Albert Edward was on her way to the ketch. Assistance was offered to get the vessel off, but this the Master declined. The Life-boat then stood by the ketch until the tide flowed sufficiently to float her, and her crew, having got her clear of the sands, took her back to the River Colne.

The Life-boat arrived at Clacton at 6 P.M.

HUNA, CAITHNESS-SHIRE.—At 3.30A.M.

a messenger arrived at Huna and reported that a vessel was ashore and burning flares in the direction of Duncansby Head. There was a strong E.S.E. wind blowing with a rough sea and the weather was cold and wet. The crew of the Life-boat were assembled and the Life-boat Ida was promptly on her way to the scene of the casualty.

On nearing the vessel the Life-boat was anchored and veered down to her. She proved to be the trawler Ardgowan, of Glasgow, bound for Aberdeen with a cargo of fish. The Life-boat stood by to see if it would be possible to save the trawler but finding that nothing could be done the crew of ten men were saved and taken to Huna.

KESSINGLAND, SUFFOLK.—The No. 1 Life-boat Bolion was launched at 12.30 A.M. on the llth April in response to distress signals from a vessel on the West Barnard Sands. On reaching the sands the tug Java, of London, was found stranded and the Life:boatmen were at once engaged to salve her if possible. Anchors were laid out and after a great deal of hard work and risk, as during this time the N.N.E. wind and sea had increased considerably, the vessel was floated on the flowing tide. The services of the Life-boat being no longer required she returned to her station at 6.30 A.M.

NEWBIGGIN, NORTHUMBERLAND.—In consequence of the heavy state of the sea on the llth April fears were entertained for the safety of the fishing coble Louisa, which had been out fishing all night, more especially as it was seen that landing would be dangerous. At 5 A.M. the Life-boat Ada Lewit was launched and remained in readiness to assist the coble when she returned, but the coble had gone very much farther than usual and it was not until the afternoon that she was observed making for port, when the Life-boat took her in tow and brought her safely in. The Life-boat men had an exhausting time on this occasion as they took neither food nor water in the boat and for ten hours were without either.

STAITHES, YORKSHIRE.—The wind on the 12th April suddenly increased to the strength of a gale, and the sea became very heavy, when the fishing cobles were at sea. As their return would be attended with considerable risk to'those on board, the Life-boat was launched at noon and stood by them until all were again in safety.

LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK.—At 3.45 A.M.

on the 13th April the Coxswain of the Life-boat was called by the Coastguard, who stated that they thought a vessel was ashore. The Coxswain at once proceeded to the beach, but he was unable to distinguish anything and returned home, but he was at once called out again, as the Coastguard had located something on the Newcome Sands.

The crew were at once summoned, and the No. 2 Life-boat Stock Exchange left in tow of a tug, there being a very strong E.N.E. wind. On reaching the wreck it was seen that the foretop mast had gone and that three of the crew were clinging to the foremast, whilst two others were in the water on the wreckage. The boat was anchored and veered down to the ship, a line was made fast, and the boat pulled near to the vessel. An endeavour was then made to save the two men in the water, but it was impossible owing to the wreckage being athwart the boat, and whilst waiting for an opportunity to reach them a heavy sea broke over the wreckage washing them away, and nothing more was seen of them. Just about this time the main topmast was carried away and fell right across the Life-boat, but happily no one was hurt.

The wreckage was cut away, and the Life-boat was then pulled close in under the mast, and the men in the rigging dropped into the boat and were saved.

Owing to the heaviness of the sea the Coxswain was obliged to cut the cable and lines and get clear of the wreck as quickly as possible. The rescued men were all in a state of exhaustion due to cold and exposure, and had it not been for the stimulants administered in the boat, would probably have collapsed. Sail was made_ and with all despatch they were conveyed to Lowestoft, which was reached about 6 A.M.

The vessel was the schooner Caledonia, of Faversham, bound from Seaham to Whitstable with coal, and one of the crew stated that when she stranded on the sands it was so thick with rain that all shore lights were obscured.

The seas commenced to break over the vessel, and all hope of being saved had been given up.

NEWBIGGIN, NORTHUMBERLAND.—A N.N.E. gale suddenly sprang up off Newbiggin on the 17th April whilst the fishing cobles were at sea, causing the sea to become very rough and rendering their return very risky. The Life-boat Ada Lewis was launched soon after noon, and accompanied some of them into safety. In one instance a coble was struck by a heavy sea and nearly swamped.

BERWICK-ON-TWEED, NORTHUMBERLAND.

—During a heavy gale from S.W.

on the 22nd April the yacht Bittern, of Berwick, was observed being rapidly driven seawards. The gale was increasing in violence, and it was considered necessary to launch the Life-boat to save the three men on board. By this time the yacht was out of sight, but a careful bearing having been taken of her last position, the Life-boat followed her under a double-reefed foresail. When clear of the land the sea was very heavy, and frequently broke on board. Aboul 7.45 P.M., just before dark, the yacht was sighted, evidently in a bad plight and shipping water. Two of her occupants were taken into the Life-boat, and two Life-boat men were placed on board with the third. She was then taken in tow by the Life-boat, which made for land. Half an hour later a tug came up and offered to tow them in, and this was accepted, the harbour being reached about 10.30 P.M., after a very wet passage.

FORMBY, LANCASHIRE. — At about 10 A.M. on the 20th April, a ketch was seen to miss stays and run aground on Taylors Bank, and as the cone had just been hoisted denoting a gale might be expected, the Life-boat John andHenrietta was launched and proceeded to her.

When still about 500 yards from the ketch, she succeeded in getting off and proceeded. The Life-boat then made for the shrimper Marjorie, of Liverpool, which had also stranded and was in rather a bad position. On reaching her they found that there was only one man aboard. Assistance was given him, and an anchor laid out, by which means she was subsequently floated. The Life-boat then returned to her station.

SKEGNESS, LINCOLNSHIRE.—During a fresh N.N.W. breeze and moderate sea, on the night of the 27th April, the brig Commerce, of Yarmouth, stranded on the Knock Sand, and in response to her signals of distress, the Life-boat Samuel Lewis was launched and proceeded to her. On arrival they found that she was bound from Lowestoft to Boston in ballast. The Assistant Coxswain of the Life-boat went on board and the Life-boat stood by while steps were taken to float the vessel. At flood tide they succeeded, and the brig continued on her way to Boston, the Lifeboatmen accompanying her.

NORTH DEAL, KENT.—The Coastguard called up the Coxswain of the Life-boat Charles Dibdin at 6 A.M. on the 2nd May, and reported that a large ship was ashore on the Main, near Sandown Castle. The crew were promptly assembled and the Life-boat launched in a heavy surf and very rough sea, there being a strong S.W. gale at the time.

On nearing the vessel, which was the Wilhelmine, of Hamburg, the Life-boat anchored and veered down to her. The Master declined any assistance, but asked the Life-boat to stand by him until high tide, in case they should fail to float. The Life-boat accordingly did so, and the vessel having floated she returned ashore.

KINGSDOWNE, KENT.—The Coxswain of the Life-boat Charles Hargrave was called by a boatman in the early morning of the 2nd May, as the South Goodwin Light-vessel was firing signals. He at once proceeded to the beach, and seeing a large ship in dangerous proximity to the Goodwin Sands, summoned the crew and launched the Life-boat. The vessel proved to be the ship Lonsdale, of Liverpool, bound from Newcastle to Chili. They, found her riding very heavily close to the sands, having already lost one anchor, and her sails had blown away; the Life-boatmen were engaged to try and get the vessel clear, and this they succeeded in doing during the evening, returning ashore at midnight.

HOLYHEAD, ANGLESEY.—Early in the morning of the 2nd May, during a W.S.W. gale, a small ketch was observed at anchor close to a lee shore in Church Bay, and at 10 o'clock she hoisted a signal of distress. A steamer, making for Holyhead, was seen proceeding to her with the object of towing her out of danger, but they were not successful in getting a hawser to the ketch, and as the distress signal remained flying, the Coxswain decided to launch the No. 2 Life-boat Joseph Whilworth. On reaching the ketch, which was the Marjorie, of Milford, the Master stated he did not wish to leave his vessel should it be possible to save her; the Life-boat therefore conveyed a hawger to the steamer, and six Life-boat men having been placed on board the ketch to weigh the anchor, she was towed into Holyhead Harbour.

SEAHAM, DURHAM.—At 2 P.M. on the 6th May, the steamer Queen Louise, of Glasgow, carrying a crew of twenty-nine persons, stranded oi the rocks half a mile south of Seaham. There was a moderate N.E. wind blowing with a heavy ground swell, and this prevented any shore-boat getting near the steamer, as she was surrounded by rocks, on which the seas broke heavily. Towards evening the Life-boat Skynner was launched, and proceeded to her, and at the captain's request ran ropes to the tugs, as they also were unable to get near to the steamer. The seas frequently broke over the Life-boat, but she cleared herself well, and about 8.30 P.M. the tug succeeded in towing the steamer clear.

The boat remained with the vessel until it was ascertained that the damage was not serious, and then returned ashore, arriving at 9.30 P.M. The Honorary Secretary of the Branch, Captain JOHN SMITH, was on board the Life-boat during this service, and was specially thanked by the Committee of Management for his valuable co-operation.

MARGATE, KENT. — The brigantine Antje, of Warsingsfehn, whilst bound from London to Plymouth with a cargo of cement on the 8th May, stranded in moderate weather, on the north-west part of the " Shingles." Her position was perceived, and as the weather looked threatening it was decided to launch the No. 2 Life-boat Civil Service No. 1 to her assistance. The boat was launched at 1.45 P.M., and the master asked them to stand by him. They did so accordingly, but just before high water the wind changed to W.N.W. and increased .to a whole gale; the Life-boatmen were therefore engaged to lay out anchors and if possible get the vessel off the sands.

With the help of the anchors the vessel was floated, and taken by the Life-boat men into Margate Roads, where, the wind having moderated and backed to S.W., she was left at anchor. The Life-boat got back to her station at 3.30 the next morning.

CAISTER and YARMOUTH, NORFOLK.— At about 7.45 P.M. on the 20th -May two of H.M. Torpedo-boat Destroyers, the Oherwell and Ettrick, when near the Barber Sand steaming northward, ran aground. The weather was moderate, but the ships being unable to get clear fired signals for assistance. The Covent Garden Life-boat from Caister and the John Bwrch Life-boat from Yarmouth, together with tugs promptly responded.

The former boat went to the Cherwell and the latter to the Ettrick, and both rendered valuable assistance in getting the vessels off, there being no less than seventy persons on board each ship.

BOULMER, NORTHUMBERLAND. — The steam-trawler Preston, of Pittinweem, bound for North Shields with fish, stranded about 1.20 A.M. on the 24th May, to the south-east of the coastguard station. The Life-boat Meliscent was immediately launched in answer to her distress signals and proceeded to her. She stood by the trawler until 3 A.M., but the captain and crew declining to leave .their vessel, as they hoped to get her off during the day, the Lifeboat returned ashore and was rehoused.

At the time of the accident the night was very thick and dark, with a moderate sea and moderate N.E. wind.

The stranding was apparently due to the ship's compass being out of order.

RHOSCOLYN, ANGLESEY.—During foggy weather on the 25th May the schooner Princess of Thule, of Chester, bound from London to Liverpool, stranded on the Fish Rock, Treaddur Bay. At 4.30 A.M. the Life-boat Ramon Cabrera was launched to assist her, but just as she got alongside the vessel floated. The Life-boat then I stood by her, as she was leaking, until well clear of the rocks and on her way I to Holyhead, which was reached in j safety.

FOLKESTONE, KENT.—In a strong easterly breeze on the night of the : 28th May, the mast of the lugger ': E. M. L., of Folkestone, was carried away in a heavy squall. The crew then ; rigged up a jury mast and proceeded to- ! wards Folkestone Harbour, but were unable to make it. Finding they were on a lee shore they anchored and signalled for assistance. At 9.30 A.M. on the 29th May the Life-boat Leslie was launched and proceeded to her. As • the crew of three hands were exhausted they were taken into the Life-boat and landed, three Life-boatmen being left in charge of the lugger. The Life-boat then returned to the lugger and towed her into safety.

PORTHLEVEN, CORNWALL. The Coastguard reported at 3.10 A.M. on the 30th May that a vessel was ashore on the Gunwalloe Beach and within twenty minutes' time the Life-boat John Francis White was on her way to assist her.

The weather was moderate but thick at the time. On reaching the vessel it was found that she had just got clear, but at the request of the captain one of the Life-boat men was placed on board to pilot the vessel to Penzance. It appeared that the ship had missed stays and struck the ground aft, damaging her rudder, but it could not be ascertained what further damage had been sustained. The vessel was the industrial training ship Polly, of Bristol, a brigantine of 200 tons, and she was cruising with about fifty persons on board.

SCARBOROUGH, YORKSHIRE. — The Coxswain of the Life-boat Queensbury when returning from the fishing-ground at 8 A.M. on the 1st June, experienced very great difficulty in making the harbour and incurred considerable risk in the prevailing E.S.E. gale. He therefore launched the Life-boat and proceeded to the coble Claudia which was then in sight making for the harbour. As the sea was very heavy for the coble the two men were transferred to the Life-boat which returned ashore with the coble in tow. Two other cobles, the Fernland and Lady Adeline, each containing two men, were also saved in a similar manner.

FLAMBOROUGH, YORKSHIRE. — The Life-boat Forester was launched at 8.30 on the morning of the 1st June to assist nine of the local fishing cobles.

An easterly gale having sprung up, the sea became very heavy across the landing and it was necessary for the Life-boat to proceed to sea and accompany each coble as she came in. Fortunately there was no disaster and the Life-boat had completed her work and was re-housed by 11.30 A.M.

STAITHES, YORKSHIRE.—The s.s. Enterprise, of Cardiff, loaded with coal, stranded on " Cowbar Steel," off Staithes, about 11 P.M. on the 16th June. The cobles belonging to the place went off to her assistance, but finding the conditions of weather were becoming dangerous they returned ashore, at the same time bringing the captain's wife and daughter with them. As the crew were on board, the Life-boat James Gowland was launched and proceeded to the steamer. Fifteen men were rescued, but the captain refused to leave ; the Life-boat therefore conveyed them ashore and returned to the captain.

Later it was seen that there was little or no chance of the vessel being saved, and the captain was rescued.

During this service there was a strong N.W. wind and moderate sea.

ALDEBURGH, SUFFOLK, and HARWICH, ESSEX.—The Aldeburgh No. 2 Lifeboat Edward Dresden was launched at 10.30 P.M. on the 19th June in a strong westerly breeze and moderate sea to the assistance of the s.s. Ariadne, of London, ashore on the Shipwash Sands.

It appeared that the steamer was bound from Hull to the River Plate with a cargo of coal when she stranded, and as the sea was becoming rougher the Life-boat stood by her. About an hour later the Harwich steam Life-boat City of Glasgow also arrived, and both Life-boats stood by the steamer throughout the night and the greater part of the next day as she was at times bumping heavily. In the meanwhile the captain treated the Life-boatmen very kindly, providing them with food and doing what was possible to lessen the discomfort of their long service.

Next day tugs succeeded in towing the vessel clear, and the Life-boat returned ashore.

CAISTER, NORFOLK.—About 11 o'clock in the morning of the 6th July a ketch stranded on the Barber Sands. The accident was observed, and as the vessel failed to float off the No. 2 Life-boat Nancy Lucy was despatched to her assistance. There was a strong southwesterly breeze with heavy squalls and the sea was rough. On arriving at the vessel, which proved to be the ketch Charlotte Kilner of Goole, the master requested her to stand by him whilst efforts were made to get the vessel off the sand. The boat therefore remained for about three hours when with the rising tide the vessel floated; during this time however the ketch was bumping heavily and leaking, but the damage sustained was not sufficient to prevent her proceeding when clear of the sand to Exmouth, where she was bound.

KILMORE, WEXFORD.—In the early morning of the 12th-13th July the cutter Lilian, of Arklow, stranded on the bar of Tacumshane, about six miles from Kilmore Quay. At low water two of the crew managed to get ashore and made for Kilmore for assistance.

They reported that three men were still on board, and as the weather looked threatening and the barometer was falling, it was considered advisable to launch the Life-boat The Sisters. She proceeded to the vessel without loss of time and took off the three men, whom they landed in safety. When the Life-boat arrived the vessel was full of water, but she was subsequently saved.

MONTROSE, FORFARSHIRE. About 12.30 P.M. on the 21st July a pleasure boat containing two men was observed being carried down the river by the ebb tide, and as it appeared probable that she would run on to the Annat Bank the Life-boatmen assembled and proceeded to the boafchouse. When they arrived there it was seen that the boat was amongst the breakers and the men were in imminent danger; the No. 2 Life-boat Marianne Atherstone was therefore launched with all speed and followed them. A few minutes later the boat was observed from the Scurdyness Lighthouse.

Although the easterly wind was quite light the sea on the Annat Bank was heavy and broken, and by the time the Life-boat reached the endangered men the boat was in the middle of it, in great danger of being capsized. Both men were taken into the Life-boat, one being totally prostrated through seasickness ; one of the crew was then placed on board to steer her, and a rope having been made fast she was towed into harbour.

It subsequently appeared that the two men who were visitors had lost one of the oars and in their helpless condition despaired of ever reaching safety; in all probability they would have been drowned if the Life-boat had been less prompt in putting off to rescue them.

THE LIZARD, CORNWALL.—The ketch Fanny, of Bideford, stranded on the Leys Reef, off Green Lane Cove, on the evening of the 23rd July, during a thick fog. Information reached the Life-boat authorities between 9 and 10 o'clock, and the Life-boat Admiral Sir George Back was promptly despatched to her assistance.

On reaching the ketch she was found to be leaking badly,and directly the Life-boat got alongside the Master and his crew of two men at once left her.

As there was little or no chance of saving the ketch the Coxswain returned to Polpear and the vessel became a total wreck.

PORT PATRICK, WIGTOWNSHIRE. — About 10.30 P.M. on the 23rd July, three youths engaged a small lug-sail boat, called the Moo, to go for a moonlight sail. They were caught by the tide and being inexperienced in boating were unable to make any headway and drifted to the north of Black Head, -where they were able to pull in near the shore.

Next morning the owner of the boat missed her and having given the alarm it was found that the three young men were still absent. It was then blowing freshly from S.E., and the sea was moderately rough; the Life-boat was therefore sent out at 7 A.M. and proceeded to search for the missing boat and the occupants. About an hour later she fell in with the boat and found the youths much exhausted and frightened by the experience. They were taken into the Life-boat which then took the boat in tow and returned to harbour.

CARDIGAN, CARDIGANSHIRE.—During a moderate northerly gale with a choppy sea on the 30th July the ketch Brothers, of Cardigan, commenced to drag her anchors. As the vessel was on a lee shore signals of distress were made, and in response the crew of the Life-boat Elizabeth Austin were assembled and the boat launched. On reaching the vessel it was found that she was rolling heavily with the sea breaking over her and was very close to the rocks. The two men were rescued and the Life-boat, which is reported to have behaved splendidly, returned ashore.