Between 7 and 8 A.M. on the 8th March a steamer was observed on the Formby Spit, and as the westerly wind was in- creasing the Coxswain launched the Life-boat John and Henrietta. On reaching the vessel, which proved to be the s.s. Carlston, of Glasgow, it was found that she was not making water and was not in want of any immediate assistance.

The Life-boat stood by her for some time and on the fast flowing tide she was able to get clear of the sand and proceed on her voyage. At the time of the accident she was bound from Man- chester to Ardrossan with a cargo of pig iron..