At 3.45 A.M.

on the llth December, while a whole south-westerly gale was raging, inform- ation was received from the coastguard that a vessel was showing signals of distress about seven miles to the south- eastward of Newhaven. The Life-boat Michael Henry was launched and pro- ceeded in the direction indicated. She found the steamer BreaTcsea, of Cardiff, with her rudder gone, riding at her anchor and with her engines working to keep her head to sea. On reaching the vessel the captain asked the Life- boat to return to Newhaven and obtain the assistance of a tug. The boat accordingly did so, and then started to return to the distressed vessel. Un- fortunately, after the boat had proceeded two miles, the motor failed, and being unable to restart it, the boat was put under canvas. After tacking for four hours it was found that the boat was only losing ground owing to the heavy weather; the boat therefore ran for Eastbourne, where she put in. Next morning, the motor having been again put in order, the boat was able to return to her station, and made a splendid run in just over two and a quarter hours. When the boat was proceeding to the vessel on the first occasion she encountered very rough weather, and when leaving the harbour was struck by a heavy sea which for the time completely filled her..