— A whole N.N.E. gale swept the Irish Channel on llth January, accompanied by very heavy seas. About half-past eight o'clock the steam Life-boat Duke of Northumberland was called out in re- sponse to signals of distress, and the life-saving apparatus was also requisi- tioned.

The steamer Bushmills, belonging to Dublin, had dragged her anchors in the inner harbour, and drifted in the direc- tion of Penrhos beach, which is one of the most dangerous places on the Anglesey coast. In a very short time she was on the rocks. When the Life- boat reached the vessel the Coxswain found the crew in readiness to leave her, and anxious to do so. Eighteen of the men were at once taken into the Life-boat, but the captain, chief officer, and second officer refused to leave their vessel. The Coxswain warned them of their danger, in view of the violence of the gale, but it was of no avail; the Life-boat, therefore, returned to harbour with the rescued men. Shortly before midnight the positioa of the three men on board became untenable, and signals of distress were made. The steam Life- boat again proceeded to sea, and with considerable difficulty, not unaccom- panied with danger, succeeded in saving the men. The storm had increased in violence, and the tide was lower; owing to the shallowness of the water there was a terrible sea running, which made a clean breach over the ship..