At 5.35 P.M. on the 12th January, during a fierce N.E.

gale, the Coastguard reported that a vessel was ashore near the Reculvers.

The crew of the No. 1 Life-boat Eliza Harriett were summoned and the boat launched in a very heavy sea. On getting alongside the vessel the crew of three men at once jumped into the Life- boat and they were taken into safety.

The vessel was the sprit-sail barge Anglo- American and was bound from London to the Isle of Wight with a cargo of wheat.

Next day the weather moderated and it was decided to make an effort to save the barge. The Life-boat was launched and proceeded to her. They found that water was in the hull and that the steering gear was damaged. A kedge anchor was run out and at high water the men succeeded in getting the barge afloat ; by means of her pumps she was kept afloat and the men brought her in bo Margate Harbour..