Lowestoft, Suffolk.—The s.s. Loch Lomond, of Dundee, whilst bound from the Tyne to Marseilles with a cargo of 3,600 tons of coal, stranded on the North Holm Sand on the 8th November.

A strong westerly breeze was blowing at the time, with a moderate sea. The vessel was observed from the shore, and the Kent-well was launched to her assistance. After she had stood by the vessel for some time the Life-boat was engaged to assist in salving her, and ropes were passed from the ship to tugs. Attempts to refloat the vessel proved unsuccessful, and the Life-boat returned to harbour until the tide was again favourable. Renewed efforts were then made, and more tugs were engaged to assist in the work of salvage. As these efforts also proved fruitless, the boat again returned to port, and put off to the vessel when the tide flowed. On the morning of the 10th, ropes having been passed to six tugs, towing operations were renewed, and at about noon the steamship was successfully refloated.

Donaghadee, County Down.—A steamer of 6,000 tons register stranded in the neighbourhood of the Skullmartin Rock in the early morning of the 9th November. Information of the casualty reached Donaghadee shortly after 5 A.M., and the crew of the Motor Life-boat William and Laura were at once summoned, and the boat proceeded to the vessel's assistance. A moderate W.S.W. gale prevailed at the time and the sea was moderate. There were sixty-five persons on board the vessel at the time, and the Life-boat stood by her until she succeeded in getting off by her own engines. It was then found that one of .the boilers was damaged and that the vessel was making water.

She was able, however, to proceed under her own steam to an anchorage, and the Life-boat remained in attendance until she got in safety into Whitehouse Roads—a distance of twenty-eight miles.

The boat then returned to her station, the men having been on duty upwards of nine hours. The boat is reported to have behaved well and the motor worked satisfactorily.

Thurso, Caithness-shire. The steam- trawler Mannofield, of Aberdeen, whilst bound to Aberdeen with a cargo, was obliged to anchor in Dunnet Bay owing to a shortage of coal. A heavy gale had prevailed for three days, and the sea was also heavy, and as the vessel was in a dangerous position she obtained the assistance of a trawler to get her into safety. The machinery of the trawler proved unfitted for towing in a heavy sea ; she, therefore, proceeded to Thurso on the llth November for the purpose of obtaining the assistance of the Life-boat. The Life-boat Sarah Austin was launched and, with the trawler, went off to the vessel, when towing operations were again com- menced, and the vessel was eventually brought safely into Scrabster Road- stead.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire The ketch Cornish Lass, of Plymouth, whilst bound from Saundersfoot to Caldy Island in ballast, stranded on the North Sands on the llth November*. A strong E.S.E. gale prevailed at the time with a heavy sea, and the Life-boat William and Mary Devey was promptly dis- patched to her assistance. The vessel was rapidly driving ashore when the Life-boat reached her, and the boat was veered down alongside, and the three men on board were rescued. Owing to the heavy sea running some difficulty was experienced in saving the captain, who was an old man. The rescued men were safely landed in the harbour, and the Life-boat was left afloat until the weather moderated, as there was too much wind and sea to attempt to get her back on to the slipway.

Fishguard, Pembrokeshire—At about 10 P.M. on the 12th November Coxswain Howells observed the steamer Emlyn, of • Cardiff, burning flares for assistance, and he at once assembled the crew of the Motor Life-boat Charterhouse. The boat proceeded to the vessel, which had dragged her anchors and drifted outside the eastern breakwater. After some difficulty she got alongside the steamer, which by this time was bumping heavily on the rocks, and rescued the crew, six in number. At the time of the casualty an E. by N. hurricane prevailed, with a very heavy sea. The Emlyn was bound for Runcorn with a cargo of flints.

Southwold, Suffolk.—Just after day- break on the 12th November a schooner- rigged vessel was observed coming in from the eastward, and as a strong S.E.

by E. wind was blowing a watch was kept on her. From time to time she was lost sight of in the rain and squalls and at about 10.30 A.M. she could no longer be seen from Southwold. As a result of enquiries by telephone it was found that she was in a dangerous position near the SizeweJl Bank, and the Life- boat Alfred Carry was launched. When the Life-boat reached the ship, which proved to be the brigantine John, of Grhnsby, the captain reported that he had been aground, but on letting go his anchor the vessel swung clear. The ; Life-boatmen were engaged to save the vessel, and seven men were placed on board. Meanwhile the wind had i changed and during the afternoon the ! vessel and her crew got into safety.

: Donaghadee, County Down.—On the 12th November the French lugger ! Cyrano, of Brest, stranded about two miles off Mellish during a whole N.E.

gale and very heavy sea. In response to her signals of distress the crew of the Motor Life-boat William and Laura were summoned. Owing to the very i heavy sea right into the harbour it was I very questionable whether the boat ! would be able to get out between the pier heads, but this was successfully i accomplished and the crew of the vessel, ; six in number, were rescued. The ser- vice was considered to have been a I severe test on the qualities of the boat, but her behaviour gave every satisfac- 1 fcion and the motor worked well.

Poole, Dorset.—At about 4 A.M. on j the 12th November information was ; received that signals of distress were being exhibited from a vessel near the Old Harry Rocks. Coxswain Wells at once summoned the crew of the Life- | boat Harmar, and proceeded to sea.

I After considerable difficulty he succeeded in getting to the vessel, which had stranded on the Old Harry Ledge, and saved the crew of ten hands. At the first attempt, owing to the strong tide and the heavy sea, the Life-boat was unable to reach the wreck, and she was obliged to put out to sea again. She was then taken in tow by another trawler which towed her to windward, from this position she veered down on to the vessel and saved the men. After the men had been rescued the Life-boat was towed back into harbour. The vessel was the King Heron.

St. David's, Pembrokeshire At 8.30 A.M. on the 13th November a coast- watcher reported that a three-masted barque was off St. David's Head with her sails blown away and apparently totally disabled. A moderate N.N.W.

gale was blowing at the time, and as it was not known whether the vessel was flying any signals of distress or not the Motor Life-boat General Farrell was ordered out. Unfortunately after she had travelled some distance the motor broke down and she was obliged to return ashore. As soon as the motor had been put in working order the boat again proceeded. When she reached the vessel—which was the barque For- mosa of Porsgrund, laden with timber —it was found that she was in a water- logged condition and deserted, The boat then cruised about searching for any of the ship's boats. At length she sighted one of the ship's life-boats about one mile to the north-eastward, and at once made for her. She was found to be unmanageable in the heavy sea running, with eleven of the crew on board, many of them in an exhausted condition. The men were at once taken into the Life-boat which landed them in safety. The remainder of the crew of the vessel succeeded in reaching the shore in another of the ship's boats, but the boat was capsized when she got into the breakers; fortunately the men managed to get ashore without loss of life.

St. Abbs, Berwickshire.-—Shortly be- fore noon on the 15th November two fishing-yawls—the Bose and the Cornu- copia—belonging to St. Abbs, were seen from the harbour to be in great danger.

They had gone off fishing at dawn, but during the morning the wind died away and a heavy ground swell began to come in from the N.E. It was utterly impossible for the boats to reach safety with so much broken water between them and the harbour entrance, and it is stated that had they attempted to get in under oars it would have meant certain death. As the boats were under obser- vation the Motor Life-boat Helen Smitton was promptly dispatched to assist them, and a line was carried from the harbour entrance and thrown to the first of the boats—the Hose—and by means of this rope the fishermen who had assembled on the pier pulled her into safety, the Life- boat in the meantime closely attending on the boat in case any mishap should occur. The other boat, which ap- proached the rocky entrance to the harbour about half-an-hour later, was in greater jeopardy owing to the fact that the sea had become much heavier. The Life-boat, which had waited in readiness, again proceeded to sea and carried a line to the endangered boat; she had scarcely left the harbour, however, when she was met by a tre- mendous sea; she, however, faced it magnificently, and she was able to reach the fishing-boat with the line, and by this means the boat was hauled into safety.

North Sunderland, Northumberland.— During the forenoon on the 16th No- vember, when the fishing-cobles were at sea, the wind freshened to a gale and the sea became very heavy. Some of the boats at once ran for safety, but at about 10.30 A.M. nine of the cobles were still at sea. The danger signal was hoisted by the harbour authorities, but as it was seen that some of the boats were making for the port the Life-boat Forster Fawsett was launched, and con- voyed five of the cobles into safety, one by one. The sea at that time was very heavy indeed, and great excitement pre- vailed in the village. Flares were burnt to emphasise the fact that it was.

dangerous for the remainder of the cobles to enter the harbour, and they ran for shelter under the lee of the Fame Islands. As the regular Cox- swain was absent Robert Patrick, an ex- Coxswain of the Life-boat, took charge of the boat.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk.—At 6.30 P.M. on the 18th November a telephone message was received, stating that a large vessel had struck a mine and was at anchor about three miles off Orfordness. As the amount of damage was unknown and the sea was rough, the No. 1 Life- boat City of Winchester was launched to the assistance of those on board. The vessel proved to be the five-masted schooner Helen W. Martin, of Bath, U.S.A., bound from Archangel to London, and carrying a crew of eighteen hands. When ihe Life-boat reached her it was found that the captain's wife had been taken off, and was on board a small steamer which was in attendance.

The vessel was more or less waterlogged, and when the explosion took place some of the cargo, which consisted of baulks of timber, was blown half mast high, but fortunately no lives were lost, only a dog on board being killed. As it was thought that it would be possible to save the vessel, a tow-rope was made fast between a tug and the ship, and eventually the ship, with the Life-boat astern to help to steer her, was got into safety. When the Life-boat was being launched valuable assistance was gener- ously rendered by some of the troops stationed at Aldeburgh.

Ramsgate, Kent. — The Norwegian steamer Severini, of Langesund, stranded on the north part of the Goodwin Sands on the 26th November whilst bound from Sunderland to Dieppe with a cargo of coal. A N.E. gale prevailed at the time, with a very heavy sea, and the Life-boat Charles and Susanna Stephens was dispatched to the vessel's assistance in tow of the Tug Aid. When near the vessel the Life-boat anchored and veered down alongside, and, with very great difficulty, put four men on board. The sea was washing right through the .steamer, and the crew wanted to leave her, but the Lifeboatrnen persuaded them to remain on board their vessel.

As the tide made the steamer was drifting further on to the sand, but a rope was passed from her to the Aid, and she commenced to tow. It was a very risky operation, but proved effective, and, about two and a half hours later, the steamer was towed clear and taken to the neighbourhood of the North Foreland, where she was anchored. The service was a very difficult one, and great risk was incurred by all concerned, but it resulted in the vessel and her crew of twenty hands being saved.

Montrose, Forfarshire.— On the 29th November a strong S.S.E. breeze sprang up, bringing with it a very heavy sea.

At the time seven of the fishing boats belonging to Montrose were at sea, and the thirty men forming their crews were in jeopardy. Information as to the position of the boats was received at about 11 A.M., and the No. 1 Life-boat Sarah Jane Turner was launched to their assistance. By the time the boats suc- ceeded in reaching the bar the seas there were breaking so heavily that great risk was incurred by the boats of being swamped.

Lowestoft, Suffolk. —The Life-boat Kentwell was called out on the 29th November to the assistance of the s.s.

Framfield, of London, which stranded on the Newcombe Sands whilst bound from North America with a cargo of iron ore. The Life-boat took off the crew of twenty-four men on board, as a strong S.S.W. gale was blowing with a i very heavy sea. The vessel remained stranded on the Sands, and during the next two days the Life-boatmen were occupied in trying to save her. Their efforts were eventually successful, and on the 1st December the steamer was refloated.

Whitby, Yorkshire—The s.s. Slcane', of Helsingborg, whilst bound from Stock- holm to Calais with a cargo of timber, stranded on the Whitby Bock during the evening of the 30th November. As ! the weather was fine and the sea smooth ; the fishermen put off in their cobles to try and refloat the vessel, but in this they were unsuccessful, as the vessel was holed and the water had got into the engine room. Next day a tug was sent ! for, and with her assistance the vessel was got off the rocks, but she had to be immediately beached as she was in a sinking condition. During the after- noon the wind backed into the S.E. and the sea became very rough, and as there were twenty persons on board, including two women, it was considered desirable to land them. When the Life-boat reached the steamer ten of the crew were taken off and landed. She then returned to the vessel and brought the two women ashore, the remainder of the crew, eight in number, stating that they did not desire to leave their vessel. At about 9.30 P.M., the weather having become worse, signals of distress were displayed on the steamer, and the Life- boat put off again and brought the remaining eight men ashore.

Spurn, Yorkshire.—During a dense fog on the 3rd December signals of distress were heard, and the Life-boat, in tow of a Motor-boat, proceeded to the Inner Binks, where she found the steamer Freidiy in danger of stranding, after having been on the sands and refloated.

The Life-boat Coxswain advised the captain as to the best way to get his vessel out of her dangerous position, and, with the assistance given, the vessel was able to get into safety and proceeded on her voyage.

Caister, Norfolk.—At 8.15 r.M. on the 5th December Coxswain Haylett was informed that a vessel was ashore on the Scroby Sands and showing signals of distress. The crew of the No. 1 Life- boat, Covent Garden, were at once assembled and the boat proceeded to the vessel. Before she could reach her, however, the tide began to ebb and the Coxswain found it was impossible to get V her. He therefore anchored his boat and waited until the tide eased. At 2.30 A.M. the boat was able to proceed, but, owing to the heavy seas on the Sands, the Life-boat could not get near enough to the stranded vessel for the Life-boatmen to board her. At day- break the weather had moderated some- what and the captain then engaged the Life-boatmen to try and save the vessel.

Later on tugs arrived and made fast, but as the vessel was full of water and settling by the head it was realised that it would be impossible to save her. The weather gradually became worse and the crew of nine hands were taken off.

During this service the crew had a very trying time as they were drenched to the skin from the moment the boat got afloat, and a southerly gale was blowing.

The vessel was the s.s. Inger Johann, of Bergen, bound from Newcastle to France; she became a total wreck.

. 'Margate, Kent.—During a whole S. W.

gale on the 6th December information j was received that a vessel coming up the j roads was flying signals for assistance.

The crew of the No. 2 Life-boat, Civil Ser- vice No. 1, were assembled and the boat { proceeded to the steamer, which proved j to be the Silver City, of Liverpool. She j was short of coal and had lost both her anchors, the captain, therefore, was desirous of assistance to get into har- bour. As the state of the tide was favourable to take the vessel into Mar- gate Harbour the Life-boatmen were engaged by the captain to do so.

Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex.—The motor Life-boat, James Stevens No. 14, was launched at 2.18 P.M. on the 6th Decem- ber to the assistance of a ketch which was reported in distress off Walton-on- the-Naze. When she arrived alongside she found the vessel was the Dutch schooner Confianci; of Delfzyl, bound for Holland with a cargo of salt cake.

The vessel was in a disabled condition, having broken her rudder, but the Life- boatmen were able to save her and her crew of seven hands.

Spurn, Yorkshire—At 5 A.M. on the 6th December the Coastguard reported that a steamer was making flares for assistance to the north of the Light- house. The crew of the Life-boat were immediately assembled and the boat launched. The steamer proved to be the Lady Ann, of Sunderland, bound from Colchester to that port in ballast, and when the Life-boat reached her it was found that the crew had the boats provisioned ready to leave her. The boat remained in close attendance on the steamer until 6 P.M., but as she did not get oft* on that tide the boat returned ashore, and went back again on the flood tide. She then ran wire hawsers to tugs, which had arrived upon the scene, and by this means the vessel was suc- cessfully refloated.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk.—On the 8th De- cember the No. 2 Life-boat, Edward Z.

Dresden, was launched to the assistance of the s.s. lynis, of London, which struck a mine and foundered about four and a half miles east of Aldeburgh. Just before the Life-boat reached the vessel she sank, but eleven of the crew were picked up by a mine-sweeper, which afterwards transferred them to the Life- boat which brought them ashore. The remainder of the crew took to the ship's boats, and the Life-boat assisted th?m ashore.

Spurn, Yorkshire—On 9th December, 1915, the s.s. Florence, of Stockton, whilst bound from London to Newcastle with a cargo of oil stranded on the "Middle Binks." It was a very dark night and blowing a strong gale, with a terrible sea running over the Sands.

The Life-boat was promptly launched to the vessel's assistance, and got as near to her as possible, but owing to the shallow water the Life-boat took the ground, and was unable to get along- side. The seas were sweeping over the steamer, and the crew were shouting for help. The Coxswain, Robert Gross, seeing that it was impossible to do anything with the Life-boat so far from the wreck, called for a volunteer to jump overboard and make his way through the water near enough to get a line to the imperilled men.

No man offered, so the Coxswain himself jumped into the sea with a rope, but he could not get to the wreck.

The crew of the Life-boat then pulled him back, and he then again asked for a volunteer to accompany him on to the sandbank, and pay out a line to him while he made another attempt. This time, one of the crew named G. Martin, inspired by his example, joined him, and with his assistance Coxswain Cross managed to effect communication. He then stood on the Sands, although at times completely smothered with the sea, until the whole of the crew of the vessel, eight in number, had come down the line and been placed in safety in the Life-boat. The splendid behaviour of Robert Cross met with commenda- tion on every side, and the Captain of the vessel described his action as heroic.

In writing about the service he stated that he and his crew could not speak too highly of the bravery and self-sacrifice of the Life-boat's crew and the manner in which the rescue was effected.

In recognition of this gallant work the Committee of Management granted Robert Cross the Silver Medal of the Institution, and G. Martin a special gratuity. They also gave an additional monetary reward to the other members of the crew.

Spurn, Yorkshire—The steamer Minsk, of Copenhagen, was observed near the Bull Sand with a very heavy list to port, on the 10th December, and the Life-boat proceeded to her assistance. On arrival it was found that she was abandoned, having been mined whilst bound from Valentia to Newcastle. Life-boatmen and others considered that it might be possible to save the vessel, and they were occupied for ten days in trying to do so, the Life-boat standing by in readiness for any emergency whilst the work was being carried on. Fortunately the men's prolonged efforts were suc- cessful, and the vessel was eventually towed into safety.

Tharso, Caithness-shire.—At 11.30 A.M.

on the 12th December, the Life-boat Sarah Austin was called out to the assistance of the s.s. Rayford, of Glas- gow, which was lying at anchor in a dangerous position in Dunnet Bay.

Owing to the heavy N.W. gale and a heavy sea the vessel was unable to get out of the bay, and was dragging her anchors. The vessel had been shelter- ing in the bay for two days during an E.S.E. gale, but the wind having shifted into the north she was in considerable danger, owing to her anchors dragging.

The Life-boat stood by the vessel until a secure anchorage could be found, and, the weather having moderated some- what and the wind veered to the N.E., the vessel was able to ride out the gale.

The Life-boat then returned to her station.

Moeifre, Anglesey. — The Life - boat Charles and Eliza Laura landed the crews of the schooner Hermod, of Marstal, six in number, on the 12th December, during a moderate N.N.E.

gale. The vessel at the time was bound from Troon to Lisbon, but was weather- bound in the roads, having been over- taken by the gale. The crew of another vessel, the Brandon, of Barrow, were also landed at the same time, as they also considered they were in danger and made signals for assistance.

The Brandon was bound from Garston to Wicklow with a cargo of coal.

Flamborough, Yorkshire.—Four of the fishing-cobles belonging to Flamborough were overtaken by a strong S.E. gale and heavy sea whilst out fishing on the 14th December. Richard Chad wick, the Coxswain of the Life-boat, was in.

one of the boats, and when he found the weather was getting bad he at once j left his lines and came ashore. He j then launched the No. 1 Life-boat, | Forester, and proceeded to the assist- I ance of the other three boats, bringing ; them and their crews of nine hands | ashore in safety. The landing was only accomplished with great difficulty and considerable risk was incurred by the men.

Ramsgate, Kent.—At 3.45 P.M. on the i 15th December, a message was received j stating that a small boat containing five men had landed on the beach from a vessel which was ashore on the south part of the Brake Sands. The weather at the time was thick and rainy with a moderate S.S.W. gale blowing. Shortly after the men. landed, the weather cleared a little and it was reported that the vessel had floated off the sands and was driving on the mainland. The Life-boat Charles and Susanna Stephens, in tow of the tug, was therefore sent out to endeavour to save the vessel.

The Life-boatmen managed to get along- side the ship which the crew had abandoned, but not before she had driven ashore. Seven Life - boatmen were placed on board. Having furled the ! sails the men manned the pumps and pumped the vessel dry. A tow rope was then carried to the tug, consider- able difficulty being experienced in effecting communication owing to the heavy sea running. The tug then started to tow, and shortly afterwards the vessel was refloated and taken into the Outer Harbour, where she was moored.

Teesmouth, Yorkshire.—The Life-boat was launched to the s.s. Lemnos, of Dundee, which stranded about a mile S.E. of the South Gare on the 16th December. The weather was thick and cold at the time and the Life-boat stood by the vessel. Whilst there the master stated he wished the Life-boat to remain during the night, and as the regular crew were not in the boat she returned ashore, and the boat put off again manned by the regular crew. They then remained by the vessel throughout the night. At 12.30 A.M. on the 18th it was reported that some of the crew were still on board the steamer and that it was desirable to bring them ashore as the weather was becoming worse. The Life-boat therefore put off again, but found that the men had been landed by a shore boat in the meantime.

Margate, Kent.—The No. 1 Life-boat Eliza Harriet was called out shortly before 1 P.M. on the 18th December to the assistance of a tug and lighter, which were flying signals of distress.

Both vessels were in trouble, and a moderate N.N.E. gale prevailed. At the request of the captain of the tug the Life-boat remained in attendance, and, later, three men were put on board to help to pump the water out of the engine-room. Later in the day, another tug arrived on the scene and communi- cation was effected between her and the vessels in distress, and they were subse- quently taken into Dover. The Life- boat then returned to her station.

Saltburn, Yorkshire.—The Life-boat was called out on the 19th December to the assistance of the trawler Ladas, of Grimsby, which had stranded at Marske.

When the Life-boat first reached the vessel the master declined any assist- ance and the Life-boat returned. Later the vessel hoisted a signal of distress and the boat again proceeded to her, when the crew were engaged to lay out an anchor as the captain and crew still declined to leave their vessel.

Folkestone, Kent.—On the morning of the 23rd December, Coxswain Cook was called up by a messenger, who reported that a motor launch was on the rocks near the Lower Sandgate Road. The crew of the Life-boat were assembled and the boat proceeded to the assistance of the vessel. With considerable diffi- culty the crew of six hands were saved and the boat returned ashore. At the time of the service a moderate south- westerly gale was blowing with a very heavy sea, and the vessel became unmanageable owing to her engine breaking down.

Eyeroouth, Berwickshire—On the 23rd December a small open boat, the Con- stance, of Eyemouth, was returning home in a very heavy sea, and as it was realized that the men on board wouJd be in serious danger if any attempt was made to go into harbour, the Life-boa Anne Francis was despatched to her assistance. When the Life-boat reachec the boat a man was placed on boarc and she was eventually able to get into safety.

Whitby, Yorkshire—Whilst seven men were engaged, on the 23rd December, on board the s.s. Skane, of Helsingborg, endeavouring to save her, a very heavy sea got up and, as they were in consider- able danger, it was necessary to launch ( the No. 1 Life-boat Robert and Mary Ellis, to bring them ashore. By the time the Life-boat was afloat the sea was exceptionally heavy and filled her time after time, drenching the men to the skin. Owing to the position of the wreck the service was one of difficulty, and although the crew were a good deal knocked about, fortunately no casualties occurred.

Padstow, Cornwall. — On the 23rd December, during a strong south-west- erly breeze and rough sea, the schooner Margaret Murray, of Padstow, stranded on a sandbank to the eastward of the harbour. As it was thought that, with the assistance of steam power, it would be possible to save the vessel the Insti- tution's tug Helen Peele was despatched to her assistance. After some hours' towing the vessel was refloated and the tug returned to her moorings.

Ramsgate, Kent. — The Life-boat Charles and Susanna Stephens was launched shortly before 4 A.M. on the 24th December to the assistance of the steamer Envermeu, of London, which stranded on the Goodwin Sands whilst bound to the Tyne in ballast. When the Life-boat went alongside the vessel it was ascertained that she had been in collision with another steamer and had been grounded to prevent her sinking in deep water. Eight of her crew had already left her, and these men were eventually landed at Dover by a tug.

When the Life-boat reached the vessel she was half full of water; the boat remained alongside until 10.30 A.M., when it was found that she was nearly full owing to the flood tide, and that it would be impossible to save her. The remainder of the crew therefore—five in number—were taken off by the Life- boat and landed. The vessel eventually became a total wreck.

Filey, Yorkshire—On the 27th Dec- ember, when twenty of the fishing-cobles belonging to Filey were at sea, a strong S.S.E. gale suddenly sprang up, bringing with it a very rough sea. As the men in the cobles were in considerable danger the Life-boat Hollon the Third was launched to their assistance and re- mained in attendance until all the boats had got into safety.

North Deal, Kent—During a strong S.W. gale a Dutch liner named the Nieuw Amsterdam, of Rotterdam, ran ashore on the Goodwin Sands on the 27th December, and the Life-boat Charles Dibdin was promptly despatched to her assistance. On her arrival, however, the captain stated that he did not require any help, and the Life- boat made for the shore. On her way she fell in with an Admiralty steam barge, and the captain reported that he wanted help as he was drifting down on to a light steamer. In the prevail- ing gale considerable risk was incurred in placing four Life-boatmen on board the barge, but it was accomplished and they succeeded in getting the vessel clear and took her and her crew of nine hands into Ramsgate Harbour, where they arrived all safe.

St. Ives, Cornwall.—The s.s. Taunton, of Liverpool, whilst bound from New- port to Rouen, on the 27th December, with a cargo of stores for the French government, was in danger owing to ler anchors not holding. When she was about one mile from Gwythian Beach, nformation respecting her position •eached St. Ives, and the Life-boat James Stevens No. 10 was launched.

This was only accomplished with great difficulty owing to the low state of the .ide and a very heavy ground swell.

3he proceeded to the steamer, which was found riding to her anchors, but abouring very heavily on a lee shore.

The Coxswain, Thomas Stevens, found | that the seas were far too heavy for him to take the Life-boat alongside the ship, so he decided to anchor and veer down until near her. This was success- fully accomplished after a great deal of trouble, and communication was estab- lished by means of a rope. The crew of nine hands were thea taken off, being pulled through the seas to the Life-boat by means of an endless whip and a life- buoy. When the whole of the men had been safely rescued, the boat commenced the task of returning to her station.

But this was a difficult problem, as she was three or four miles dead to leeward in a terrific wind and sea, with a strong flood tide against her. Eventually, after a hard struggle for nearly three and a half hours, the boat got back into harbour, where the steamer's crew were landed at about 7.30 P.M. Three of the rescued men were in a very exhausted condition and had to be carried to the boathouse; afterwards they were re- moved by ambulance to the Queen's Hotel, where they received every atten- tion. Next day it was necessary to take one of the firemen, who had been seriously injured on board the ship, to the Penzance Infirmary for treatment.

The captain of the steamer spoke in the highest terms of the manner in which the Coxswain handled his boat in the fearful seas, and referred also to the difficulty with which the Life-boat cr-ew had to contend in getting the vessel's crew from the ship into the Life-boat.

This case was an unusually good one, and Coxswain Thomas Stevens is re- ported to have managed his boat in a most skilful manner, and in appreciation, of the good work done the Committee of Management awarded him the Silver Medal of the Institution together with an additional monetary reward. They also granted the other members of the crew extra remuneration.

The steamer was left riding to her anchors, and next day, as it was thought that it would be possible with the assist- ance of steam-power to save her, the Padstow tug was telegraphed for, and helped the St. Ives Life-boatmen to save the vessel.

Padstow, Cornwall.—The Steam Tug was called out on the 28th December to proceed to St. Ives to assist that Life- boat in saving the s.s. Taunton, of Liverpool. (See previous entry.) Appledore, Devon—When the ketch Heather Belle, of Appledore, was coming in over the bar on the 28th December she ran ashore on the Middle Ridge.

Signals of distress were made, and in response the No. 1 Life-boat Jane Hannah Macdonald was launched to her assist- ance. A moderate S.E. gale was blow- ing at the time with a rough sea, and, as the vessel was lying in about seven feet of water, the crew of three hands were taken off and landed at Apple- dore..