At 1 A.M.

on the 15th October it was reported that a schooner was ashore on the north beach. The rocket apparatus turned out and endeavoured to effect communication from the shore, but the vessel was too far off, and they failed to reach her.

As the men on board were in danger, owing to the heavy sea then prevailing, the Life-boat Frances and Charlotte was launched. Whilst proceeding to the vessel she was continually filled by heavy seas, but freed herself readily.

On nearing the wreck she was anchored and veered down to her, and succeeded in getting a line on board. Two men forming the crew were taken into the Life-boat, but the master, before he could be rescued, cut the line which was holding the Life-boat, leaving him alone on board the vessel. His two comrades did their best to persuade him to leave, but without avail, and, after a time, the Coxswain decided to take the two men ashore, as they were very wet and somewhat exhausted. When day dawned the boat again put off to the wreck, and after some difficulty succeeded in getting alongside. At first no answer could be obtained from the man on board, but, the grapplings having been made secure, the two men belonging to the vessel again proceeded on board, and with trouble succeeded in persuading the man to come ashore.

The vessel, which was the schooner Champion of th« Seas, belonging to Ar- drossan, eventually became a total wreck..