On the night of the 17th November the coastguard reported that a vessel in the roadstead, abreast the town, was burning flares. The Cockle and St.

Nicholas light-vessels also fired signals.

A strong N.E. by E. breeze was blowing, with a heavy sea and squalls of rain.

The motor life-boat John and Mary Meiklam of Gladswood was launched at 10.53 P.M., and found the barge Maggie, of London, at anchor, but dragging towards the beach. Her crew of three did not wish to leave her, but asked for a tug. The life-boat stood by until a tug arrived. A hawser was got aboard the barge with great difficulty, and the tug towed her into harbour. The life- boat accompanied them in and arrived back at her station at 1.5 A.M.—Re- wards, £28 195..