At 1.30 A.M.

on the 19th March, during a whole N.N.E. gale and very heavy sea, signals of distress were seen from five Pile Drivers which were moored in the River Humber. The Life-boat Charles Burton was launched and taken in tow by the tug Southern Cross, but after proceeding some distance the tug grounded and the tow rope parted.

Repeated efforts were made to effect communication again with the tug, but without result. The boat was then drifting on to a lee shore, and owing to the boisterous weather and heavy sea it was impossible for her to beat to windward; in addition to this it was considered dangerous to attempt to approach the vessels in the darkness owing to their heavy moorings and the piles in the vicinity; moreover it was not considered advisable to leave the neighbourhood of the tug, which was in a dangerous position. The anchor was accordingly let go and the boat remained at anchor until dawn. At daylight there was no sign of the tug, she having got clear during the night, so the boat proceeded to the Pile Drivers and found that the crew of one of them had been taken off by another tug previous to the arrival of the Life-boat.

She then stood by the remaining four vessels, and accompanied them whilst being towed into dock. During this service the weatfoer was exceedingly trying, as a blizzard with heavy snow prevailed. Very valuable assistance was rendered both by the Royal Dock Master, the Fish Dock Master, and others in getting the Life-boat out of harbour, and special letters of thanks were sent by the Committee of Manage- ment expressing appreciation for the help given..