A service characterised by conspicuous bravery was performed by this Life-boat on the 15th December. At about 8.10 P.M.

a vessel was observed burning flares about five miles due west of Port Patrick, and apparently drifting in a helpless condition in a north-easterly direction towards the shore. The Life-boat Civil Service No. 3 was at once des- patched to her assistance, and while she was proceeding in a heavy sleet squall, the wind suddenly changed and caused great difficulty in reaching the en- dangered vessel, which commenced to drift to the south-eastward, pitching helplessly in the trough of the sea, so that it was practically impossible for the Life-boat to effect communication.

About this time the men on board the disabled ship let go both anchors, and when the Life-boat made her first attempt to get alongside, the engineer and mate managed to jump into the boat. The anchor chains then parted and the vessel drifted rapidly towards the shore. The Coxswain of the Life- boat, James Smith, jun., promptly man- oeuvred his boat for the purpose of rescuing the remainder of the crew, three in number, and after several attempts to get alongside again he suc- ceeded in saving the men when the vessel was within 100 yards of the rocks.

A few minutes later she ran ashore under the steep cliffs about half a mile south of Port Patrick village,, and shortly afterwards became a total wreck.

When rescuing the master and the two remaining members of the crew the Life-boat was damaged by collision with the wreck; and to make matters worse, about three minutes after getting clear, the foremast of the Life-boat went by the board. By skilful management, however, the Coxswain succeeded in getting the boat out of her perilous position, and conveyed the five rescued men to Port Patrick. The wrecked vessel was the steamer Dunira, of Glasgow, which was being towed by another steamer from Ramsey to Greenock for repairs, and when the tow ropes parted the two vessels separated and the Dunira was driven quickly to her doom. The night was cold with heavy sleet showers, and a heavy sea was running in the channel; and the rescued captain spoke in the highest terms of the skilful manner in which the rescue was effected, and of the excellent seamanship displayed by the Life-boatmen in carrying out a difficult service. He had, indeed, thought that rescue was impossible, and had given up all hope of being saved. The place where the vessel was wrecked was described as a " perfect death-trap." In recognition of the great bravery and splendid seamanship displayed by the Coxswain and crew the Committee of Management presented James Smith, jun. (the Coxswain), with the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum and the Silver Medal, together with an additional pecuniary reward. They also granted an additional pecuniary reward to each member of the crew..