On the morn- ing of the 7th December, during a strong gale, a vessel was observed about twelve miles off Sidmouth flying signals of distress. The Life-boat William and Francis was launched at 9.30 A.M., and reached the vessel at 11.30. She proved to be the schooner Maria, of Geestemunde, in ballast, being towed from Poole to Teignmouth, but had parted her tow-ropes the previous evening and seen no sign of the tug.

Owing to the wind and very heavy seas the vessel's anchors would not hold, and the crew were obliged to cut away the mizen-mast, and on the arrival of the Life-boat were about to cut away the main-mast. With the assistance of the Life - boatmen, however, the boat was taken to Lyme Regis and anchored off there for the night, the Life-boat remaining in close attend- ance. Next morning the schooner and her crew of six hands were taken safely in the Lyme Regis harbour. Owing to the gale which still prevailed, the boat could not be taken back to her station until the following day, Sidmouth being reached at 5.30 P.M..