At 6.30 P.M. on the 11 th November, information was received from the Coastguard that a vessel was burning flares N. by W. from the Fore Ness Signal Station. The crew of the No. 2 Life-boat Civil Service No. 1 were promptly assembled and the Life-boat proceeded in the direc- tion given, but could not find any vessel needing assistance. Enquiry was then made from some of the steamers in the vicinity, but they reported that they had not seen any vessel requiring assistance, and the Life-boat returned to Margate. When nearing the jetty a light was noticed to the eastward, and the boat at once proceeded and there found the s.s.

Alnmauih, of Bristol, which was being used as a mine sweeper, ashore with the seas washing right over her. The boat was anchored and veered down to the Alnmouth. When the Life-boat got alongside the captain asked the men to wait a few minutes as the fires were being drawn. In about ten minutes the crew were ready to leave their vessel, but owing to the heavy sea running great difficulty was ex- perienced in getting alongside again to take the men off. When this was accomplished, and six of the crew had been rescued, the rope from the Life- j boat to the steamer broke, and the boat was driven away. By dint of great exertions she again got alongside, and the remainder of the crew, seven in number, were saved. The boat was then hauled clear of the surf and, sail having been set, she made for home.

This was a very arduous service per- formed in a whole gale with a heavy sea, and the Committee of Management granted the crew an additional monetary reward..