At 7.20 A.M. on the llth January rockets were observed in the direction of the Cross Sand light- vessel, and while the crew of the Life- boat were being assembled, a message was received by wireless telegraphy stating that a vessel was ashore on the Sands. The No. 1 Life-boat Covent Garden was launched, and proceeded to the Sands in tow of a tug. When she reached the vessel, the seas were making a clean breach over her. The Life-boat tried to get alongside, but owing to the heavy seas did not succeed. The boat was then taken by the tug to wind- ward of the vessel, where she anchored and veered down; and whilst doing so she struck heavily on the Sands, the seas drenching everyone to the skin. TheLife- boatmen succeeded in getting a line on board the vessel, and then, by means of a rope, hauled some of the crew through the sea, whilst others jumped into the boat. An hour and a half elapsed before the crew, seven in number, were got safely on board. The Coxswain was then obliged to cut the boat's cable in order to get clear of the wreck, other- wise the Life-boat might have been knocked to pieces. As soon as the boat was clear of the Sands, the tug again picked her up and towed her to Caister.

The vessel was the schooner Falke, of Bremen, bound to Yarmouth at the time.

This service, which reflected great credit upon the Life-boatmen, was carried out in very severe weather, causing the crew considerable suffering owing to exposure.

The Coxswain, in reporting on the case, stated that it was the most difficult service within the experience of the oldest Life-boatman..