The German Schooner Erna, belonging to Bremen, drove ashore on Drake's Island in Plymouth Sound on the night of the 21st February, during a S.S.E. gale which at times attained the violence of a hurricane. The vessel became a total wreck, but the crew of five hands were saved. The Life-boat Eliza Avins was launched at about 11.30 P.M., a rumour having been received that a vessel was in distress. The rescue of the crew reflected great credit on all concerned as a tremendous sea was running, and the conditions were momentarily becoming worse. When the Life-boat reached the schooner she was on her beam ends, the seas were making a clean breach over her, and the men on board were in consider- able danger of being swept overboard.

The Life-boat was in charge of the Second Coxswain, F. J. Eagles, who handled the boat with very great skill when manoeuvring her into a suitable position to rescue the crew. After the anchor had been let go she was veered down under the schooner's bowsprit, from which position the men jumped into the boat. They were then con- veyed ashore and taken to the Sailors' Home. The vessel had put' into Plymouth Sound earlier in the day through stress of weather, but dragged her anchor when the weather became so boisterous and ran ashore as already described..