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..