The Civil Service No. 1 Life-boat was launched at 8.30 P.M. on the 28th Deceinber, during a terrific W.S.W. gale and very heavy sea, to the assistance of the barge Circe, which was in distress in Margate Roads.

On nearing the vessel ^ the Life-boat attempted to effect communication, but the wind and sea were so heavy that the boat was swept past the barge and bad her mizzen sail blown away. The Coxswain at once let go his anchor and secured the mizzen with stops. While doing so, another vessel, the ketch Ipy, commenced to make urgent signals of distress. The boat, as soon as possible, proceeded to the ley and rendered all the assistance needful. She then attempted to get back to the Circe, but, on account of the wind and tide, it took her some hours to accomplish this. When she reached her the Master, his wife and the mate were, with great difficulty, rescued, and the boat returned ashore.