The Charles Dibdin Life-boat was launched during an exceptionally heavy W.S.W. gale, on the 28th December, in answer to signals of distress from the South Goodwin Light- vessel, considerable difficulty being experienced, owing to the tremendous seas running, in getting the boat afloat.

The Life-boat proceeded towards the Light-ship, which was drifting to the Goodwin Sands, but, on reaching the Sands, she lost sight of the Light-ship and could not find her. The Coxswain of the Life-boat then anchored his boat, and very shortly afterwards the Admiralty steamer Montrose was seen drifting rapidly towards the Sands, where she grounded a short distance from the Life:boat. The Coxswain at once weighed his anchor and proceeded to her assistance. Owing to the very heavy sea that was breaking all around her, it was a difficult task to get alongside. When this was accomplished it was found that there were only four men on board; two jumped into the rigging of the Life-boat, and the crew managed to haul the other two into the boat by means of a line. The boat then made for the shore, where she arrived | at 7.30 A.M., having been at sea under very trying and arduous circumstances for many hours. The Committee of Management therefore granted the men an additional reward..