The Life - boat William and Charles was launched in response to distress signals at about 10.30 A.M. on the 22nd December. She found the Submarine C 12 ashore and landed the crew of sixteen hands.

Later in the day the Captain of the submarine asked Coxswain Stenton again to proceed to the vessel with her crew in order that she might be1 saved. The Life-boat accordingly did so and stood by the vessel until she was successfully refloated..