At 9 P.M. on the 27th January a messenger reported that a vessel was ashore on a dangerous reef at Rotheeholm Head. Owing to the darkness and the S. by E. gale which was ragingj it was not possible to learn any further particulars about the casualty, the Life-boat John Ryburn was therefore sent to her assistance, and found her to be the steam ketch Commander, of Aberdeen. As the vessel was striking heavily, the skipper asked the Life-boat to stand by in case the vessel should get holed. The Life-boat therefore remained by him until high water when the ketch floated off in a damaged condition. Her propeller was damaged, but she succeeded in reaching Kirkwall in safety..