On the 2nd October, during a strong S.W. gale, it was reported that a steamboat—the Dulce of Alercorn—was driving down towards the pier. The Deputy Pier- Master was informed, and it was deemed advisable to assemble the crew of the Life-boat James Stevens No. 9, in readiness. On arriving at the pier- end the crew found the Managing Director of the company to which the vessel belonged. He was very anxious about the safety of the vessel, as she was short-handed, the Skipper and Chief Engineer being ashore, and he re- quested the Coxswain to put him and an engineer on board. The Life-boat was manned at 8.55 P.M., and the two men were taken off. The Life-boat then returned to her moorings..