HOTLAKE, CHESHIRE, and FORMBY, LANCASHIRE.—On the afternoon of the 18th August the steamer Soldier Prince, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, belonging to the Prince Line and bound to Manchester, stranded on the Askew Spit. There was a strong N.W. breeze and the sea was rough, and in response to her signals the Life-boats John and Henrietta from Formby, the Hannah Fawsett Ben- nett from Hoylake and the steam Life- boat Queen from New Brighton put off to her assistance. On the arrival of the latter she remained for a time, but then finding that the other two Life-boats would be able to render all necessary help she returned to her station.

The Formby boat was the first to reach the distressed vessel, and seven passengers, including a lady and two young girls, were at once transferred to the boat, which made for the shore and landed them in safety. As the vessel was in a dangerous position and the weather threatening, the Life-boat re- turned to the steamer and in company with the Hoylake Life-boat stood by whilst efforts were made to salve the vessel. Shortly before midnight tugs succeeded in towing the vessel clear, and as she was able to proceed on her voyage the two Life-boats returned to their respective stations..