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 as- sembled 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..