The Coastguard received a message from the Gunfleet Lighthouse shortly after 10 A.M. on the 20th September, reporting that a steamer was ashore, with a tug in attendance.

A strong easterly breeze was blowing at the time with a rough sea, and the Life- boat Albert Edward was promptly dis- patched to the assistance of the stranded vessel. She proved to be the Capitol, of London, bound from the Tyne to Beckton with a cargo of coal. The services of the Life-boat were declined, as the master hoped to refloat his vessel on the next high water ; the Life-boat, therefore, stood by until 9.30 P.M., when two tugs succeeded in getting the vessel clear. As the steamer was able to proceed on her voyage the Life-boat returned to her station, which was reached at about midnight..