The German steamer Marie Leonhardt, of Hamburg, whilst bound from Scotland to Genoa with a cargo of coal, stranded on the Goodwin Sands, during a strong E.S.E.

gale and a very heavy sea, on the 17th January. Signals of distress were made and in response the Life-boat was sent to her assistance. They found the vessel right on top of the Sands and the seas breaking over her. After three unsuccessful attempts, the Life- boat got alongside, but in doing so was considerably damaged. Ropes were passed to the boat from the steamer and she stood by for some time, but as the vessel was bumping very heavily ' and cracking all over, it was considered desirable to take the crew of twenty hands out of her. This was accom- plished with some difficulty owing to the heavy seas which constantly washed over the vessel and the boat. A cat and a dog were also rescued and taken into safety. As soon as the Life-boat got clear of the steamer and the Sands she was picked up by the harbour tug which towed her into Ramsgate Har- bour, where they arrived about noon.

The German Government subsequently expressed, through their ambassador, their warmest thanks for the assistance rendered by the Life-boat in this case..