The steamer Geir, of Bergen, whilst bound for Blyth in ballast, stranded on the Knavestone Rock, Fame Islands, on the night of the 18th February, during a northerly gale and heavy sea. Information reached the North Sunderland Life-boat Station about 7 P.M., and within a few minutes the Life-boat Forster Fawsett was launched.

On arriving at the scene of the wreck, it was necessary for the Life-boatmen to use the greatest caution in approach- ing her, on account of the exceedingly dangerous nature of the locality. Even in fine weather the sea is heavy there, and the tide and current are very strong.

To go alongside the steamer to rescue the crew was not possible. The Cox- swain, James Robson, therefore, after fully considering the matter, decided to land on an adjoining small rock, taking a life-buoy with him. When he had safely accomplished this, the Life-boat was pulled out into a safer position.

By means of lines the crew of the steamer, fourteen in number, got to the rock on which the Coxswain stood, and then, placing themselves in the life- buoy, they were one by one hauled through the sea to the Life-boat, the Coxswain being the last man to go aboard.

The conduct of the Coxswain, who was only twenty-eight years of age, in acting in the manner he did, was both gallant and praiseworthy, and a large number of people who awaited the Life- boat's return, loudly cheered the crew when she entered the harbour about 11 P.M.

The Committee of Management, in recognition of the gallant conduct and zeal displayed by the Coxswain, awarded him the silver medal of the Institution.

The presentation was made publicly, about a month later, by the Chairman of the Local Committee, and on the same occasion a framed certificate of service was presented to MICHAEL ROBSON, his father, who had recently relinquished the post of Coxswain Superintendent in favour of his son, after many years of faithful service..