— At 8.30 P.M. on the 30th September the Life- boat James Stevens No. 9 was called out in answer to rockets from the Nore light-vessel. On reaching the " Nore," the Master reported that he had been repeating signals made from the Mouse light-vessel. The boat, therefore, at once proceeded there, and ascertained that flares had been seen to the north- eastward. The Life-boat at once sailed in the direction and found the barge Audacious, of Colchester, in a sinking condition. As it was not possible to do anything to save the barge the two men, who were on board, together with their dog, were taken into the boat. The Life-boat then proceeded to search for another vessel which had shown a flare while the men on the barge were being rescued. No vessel, however, could be found, and the Life- boat made for home, arriving at her moorings at 3.30 A.M., after a very rough passage, as a strong gale was blowing, accompanied by a very heavy sea. As soon as the men and their dog were landed they were taken to the Victoria Coffee 'Palace, where they received every attention and kindness..