At about 4.50 A.M. on 25th February a message was received from the Coastguards, stating that a vessel was ashore at the mouth of the River Bann, and that the Life-boat was wanted. The Life-boat Hopwood was launched as expeditiously as possible and proceeded to the place indicated. She found the s.s. Shilbottle, of Aberdeen, ashore and likely to become a total wreck. The nine men on board were rescued and the boat returned to her station. There was a moderate westerly breeze at the time, with a heavy ground swell, and the weather was cold..