The s.s. Orion, of Plensburg, when attempting to leave Sunderland with a cargo of coal on the 21st January, was struck by heavy seas and ran aground. The steering gear was broken, rendering the vessel unmanage- able. The vessel commenced to sink by the stern, and as she was in con- siderable danger, the North Dock Life- boat George Woofindin was despatched to her assistance. At about the time the Life-boat reached the steamer the sea became worse owing to the freshen- ing of the gale, and high seas swept right over the vessel. With considerable difficulty the crew of nineteen hands were taken off by the boat, which con- veyed them safely into port..