The Life-boat William Erie was called in a moderate N.E. wind but thick fog, soon after midnight on the 26—27th January, by a telephone message, which reported a steamer was ashore at St. Alban's Head.

The vessel proved to be the steam yacht Ilona, of Glasgow, and on reaching her it was found that five of the crew had taken to their boat and were unable to get on board the yacht again, as she was rolling so heavily in the swell; the cap- tain however had remained on board.

The weather was very cold, and as the men in the boat had been exposed for more than three hours they requested the coxswain to land them. They were therefore taken into the Life-boat and landed at Chapman's Pool. The Life- boat then returned to the yacht and stood by her until the tugs arrived on the scene. By aid of the boat commu- nication was effected, and the vessel was towed clear and accompanied by the Life-boat taken to Swanage..