At 2.10 on the morning of the 12th February, the Coxswain at Plymouth received information from the Coastguard that a steamer, which was found afterwards to be the s.s. Deventia, of Workington, was in distress off Bolt Head, eighteen miles to the south-east.

A strong E.S.E. gale was blowing with a heavy sea and snow squalls, and the weather was bitterly cold. After communicating with the Honorary Secretaries of the neighbouring stations, Torbay and Hope Cove, the Honorary Secretary decided to send out the Plymouth boat, and she left at 3.10. She reached the wreck at 5.45, just about daybreak, and found the vessel ashore on the rocks under the lee of Bolt Head.

She was filling rapidly, and although out of the full force of the sea, was sufficiently exposed to feel the effect of the seas sweeping past. There was, however, just enough shelter for the Coxswain to be able to get alongside without anchoring, and he rescued ten of the crew of thirteen, the other three being rescued from the shore by the Life-saving Apparatus.

The net amidships, which the Barnett type of Life-boat carries, was of great value in getting the ten men quickly into the Life-boat.

Coxswain Eagles has been awarded the Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum, and he and each member of the Crew have been granted an extra monetary award. A letter was received from the Chief Engineer of the Deventiaexpressing his gratitude and his admira- tion for the splendid way in which the Life-boat was handled..