At 5.15 A.M.

on the 16th July a message was re- ceived from the Coastguard stating that a steamer was ashore at Beachy Head. A moderate S.W. gale was blowing at the time, with a very heavy sea, and without delay the motor Life- boat Michael Henry was sent out. On reaching the spot they found a small passenger steamer on the rocks rapidly sinking. Most of the crew had already escaped ashore in the ship's boat, but the captain and three others were still on board. With some difficulty the Life-boat was manoeuvred close to the steamer, and the endangered men rescued, the Life-boat being slightly damaged. They were then conveyed in safety to Newhaven Harbour. The steamer, which was a twin-screw and numbered L 26", had recently been built in London for Turkish owners, and was being taken to Salonica. When going down channel she encountered a heavy sea, and a huge wave smashed in the fore-hatch, which rendered her unmanageable. She drifted ashore and shortly after the men had been rescued was completely submerged.

The day after the wreck the Captain of the steamer sent the following letter to the Hon. Secretary of the Branch : " Dear Sir,—I wish to thank you and the crew of the Newhaven Life-boat for the gallant manner in which they came to my assistance yesterday, and standing by the vessel for several hours under most unfavourable conditions, and taking us—myself, the first and second engineers, and one seaman—off the wreck and landing us safely at New- haven. I consider the Life-boat be- haved splendidly under unfavourable conditions prevailing.

"I am, dear Sir, " Yours faithfully, " (Signed) W. B. HARDINGE, " Late Master, s.s. L 26".

" 17th July, 1908.".