During a heavy W.N.W. gale, which was experi- enced on the Lancashire coast on the 11 th December, the Life-boats were called out to the assistance of the steamer Hebe, of Bergen, bound from Norway to Preston with a cargo of wood pulp. The steamer was seen soon after 9 A.M. about six miles from Southport pier, and the Life- boat John Harling stationed at that place was launched to her assistance.

The vessel was found stranded at the entrance to the Eibble, and being end on to the sea, some difficulty was experi- enced in getting the crew safely into the boat. Communication was effected between the forecastle and the boat by means of ropes, and the crew, twenty- one in number, were successfully taken off. At the time of the rescue the ship was partially submerged, and at 2 o'clock no part of the ship was visible with the exception of her two masts.

The rescue was a very timely one and most creditably carried out..