At 9.30 A.M.

on the 28th February the Coastguard reported that a ship was ashore at Bolberry Down. The crew of the Life- boat Alexander were at once assembled, and the boat was launched within a quarter of an hour. They found the steamer Jane Howe, of Gefle, stranded about one and a half miles to the east- ward of Bolt Tail. When the boat got alongside the master requested the Cox- swain to stand by him, as he had already despatched a telegram by a small steamer to obtain the assistance of tugs.

Three hours later, no tugs having arrived on the scene, the Life-boat prepared to return ashore to summon further help. While doing so tugs were seen approaching, and the boat returned to the vessel. The tugs made fast to the steamer and endeavoured until 9.30 P.M. to refloat her, but with- out success. It was then decided to abandon operations till next morning, and, as the Life-boat was not then needed, she returned to her station.

At 6.30 A.M. next morning the boat again proceeded to the vessel, which had then driven much further on shore than on the previous day. As the sea was making a clean breach over her and she was lying broadside on, the Cox- swain found it impossible to approach her on the inner side. He got a line aboard, however, from the outside, but the crew declined to be hauled through the sea to the boat. In the meanwhile the Rocket Apparatus had effected communication and, as the crew elected to go ashore by means of the apparatus, the Life-boat stood by until the whole of the crew had been taken off. She then returned ashore and was re-housed..