During the evening of the 4th November a cargo steamer was reported by the Coastguard to be at anchor about five miles from the station with the " uncon- trollable " signal hoisted; and later it was seen that she had hoisted a two-flag signal which, owing to the distance and the mistiness of the atmosphere, could not be distinguished. At about 9.30 P.M. signals of distress were observed, and the Life-boat Susan Ashley was launched. She found the steamer Poplar, of London, with her engines disabled and in urgent need of a tug.

At the request of the master the Life- boat returned ashore and sent messages which were ultimately responded to by two tugs which succeeded in towing the vessel into safety..