At 3.50 P.M. on the 26th February a boat was seen, with a coat lashed to her mast as a signal of distress, and on further observation it was seen that the occupants were waving their hats and making other signals to show that they wanted help. The crew of the Life-boat Francis Forbes Barton were called, and the boat was launched.

On getting alongside it was found that the boat, which was the Nautilus, of Ramsgate, was half-full of water, and was only kept afloat by her occupants bailing continuously. The men were transferred to the Life-boat, and the boat made for Broadstairs, where she landed them. A strong N.W. gale was blowing at the time with a heavy sea running..