The s.s. Mahratta, of Liverpool, a large steamer of 5,698 tons register, stranded on the Goodwin Sands on the 9th April, whilst bound from Calcutta to London with passengers and cargo. The weather was fine at the time. In response to signals from the Light-vessels the Life-boats Francis Forbes Barton from Broadstairs, the Charles Dibdin from North Deal, and Charles and Susanna Stephens from Ramsgate were launched shortly after 3.30 A.M., and proceeded to the vessel.

At the request of the captain they stood by until the following high water, about twelve hours later, but the vessel failed to float. As the services of the Life- boats were then not likely to be required, the Broadstairs and Ramsgate boats returned to their stations, whilst four- teen persons who desired to be landed were transferred with some of their belongings to the Charles Dibdin and conveyed ashore, arriving about 6 P.M.

In the meanwhile several shore-boats and tugs had put off to the vessel to try and assist in saving her, and at about 9 P.M. the Charles Dibdin was again sent for to stand by through the night, in case her services should be required. She accordingly remained with the steamer throughout the night and until 6 P.M. the next evening, when it was considered prudent for her to take off the remainder of the passengers on board. At 9 P.M. the steamer suddenly began to break up, and all the craft near at hand were requisi- tioned to save those on board. Several were taken into the Life-boat, but the captain and some of his officers still hesitated to leave, and bravely remained at/ their posts—the Life-boat therefore remained close at hand. In the early morning the ship broke her back, and became a total wreck, the men on board were rescued, and the Life-boat with twenty-four rescued persons on board left for Deal, arriving at 6.45 A.M..