The fishing smack General Gordon, of Lowestoft, grounded on the Cross Ridge shortly before 5.30 P.M. on the 1st August, and the St. Nicholas Light-vessel commenced to fire signals. The crews of the Nos.

2 and 3 Life-boats Leicester and James Stevens No. 3 assembled, and as it was seen that the No. 3 Life-boat would have to wait to get up steam, the Leicester proceeded. With the N.N.W. wind blowing, she was able to sail straight for the smack. On arrival the master declined any assist- ance, as he hoped to float his vessel on the flowing tide. A little later the steam Life-boat arrived, and both boats stood by the vessel until the master succeeded in getting her off the sands.

When it was ascertained that she was not leaking the steam Life-boat took the other Life-boat in tow and they returned to Gorleston..