The Life-boat Charles Dibdin was launched shortly after midnight on the 2nd-3rd Decem- ber, in answer to a wireless message stating that a steamer was in distress and firing signals for assistance. A strong S.W. gale was blowing at the time, with a heavy sea. Some time after launching, the crew of the boat perceived a steamer proceeding towards the shore and the boat at once went alongside, when they ascertained that the vessel had been in collision and that two of her holds were full of water.

The captain at once employed the Life- boatmen to try to save his vessel, and, with the assistance of two shore boats which had also reached the steamer, anchors were laid out and she was secured in a safe position. The Life-boat remained until the -weather moderated and then returned ashore.

The vessel assisted was the s.s. Batjan, of Amsterdam, bound from Batavia to London..