The George Gordon Moir Life- boat saved six of the crew of the steamer Topaz, of Glasgow, shortly after midnight on the 14-15th January. It appears that the steamer, which was bound to Glasgow with a cargo of pig-iron, struck Burrow Head and was damaged. The master then made for Ross Island and anchored, but the cable parted and he was obliged to put to sea again. When he had been out about half an hour it was found that the vessel was settling down by the head, and he again ran for Ross Island. The vessel stranded on the bar, and signals of distress were made. In response, the Life-boatmen at once proceeded to the Life-boathouse, but before the boat could be launched the crew of the vessel left her in the ship's boats, and just as the Life-boat was ready for launching, one of these boats with six of the crew of the vessel arrived at the slipway and reported that another boat with six other men was missing. The Life-boat therefore pro- ceeded to sea, and after a long search found the boat in a sinking condition, and the six men in her quite exhausted.

In view of the conditions of weather and the state of the men, the Life-boat conveyed them direct to Kirkcudbright, and the boat was taken back to her station and rehoused the next day.

Later in the day it was reported to the Coxswain that the wreck was adrift and signals of distress were being shown on board. The Life-boat was, therefore, again launched, and on reaching the vessel it was found that some of the crew had proceeded to her that morning for the purpose of obtaining some of their clothing, and when they were returning ashore the mate very foolishly remained on board. When the vessel floated, the man realized that his life was in danger and made signals. When the Life-boat rescued the man, the drifting wreck as rolling very badly..