On the 14th March, during smooth but hazy weather, signals of distress were heard from a vessel. The No. 1 Life-boat Mark Lane was launched and was tracked by the crew to the end of the North Pier where she was picked up by a tug and towed out to the North Holm Sands, whence the signals proceeded. She there found a large tank oil steamer—the San Bicardo, of London—belonging to the Eagle Oil Transport Company. The cargo of oil was being pumped over- board, and as it was not necessary at that time to take the crew off the vessel the Life-boat stood by until high water next day. Efforts to refloat the vessel were not successful, but as no further assistance was required, the boat returned to her station..