Stornoway and Barra Island, Hebrides.— On the night of the 17th-18th October the Norwegian steamer St. Joseph, of Tonsberg, ran aground on the Grey Rocks, in the Sound of Mull. A whole N.W. gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea, and snow showers. The nearest life-boat, at Port Askaig, was already on service to another vessel.

Owing to the gale, there was a general breakdown in the lines of communication, but news was got through to the Stornoway life-boat station, about 125 miles away, via the Wick and Stornoway coastguard. The motor life-boat William and Harriot set out at 4.40 A.M. on the 18th. When she got as far as Loch Alsh, about half-way, it was learned that the crew of the St. Joseph were safe. The life-boat crew had a meal, and the life-boat, after refuelling, made for home, arriving at 10.10 P.M.

News of the wreck had also been received at Barra Island, and the motor life-boat Lloyds set out at 10.25 A.M. She had about 65 miles to cover, and arrived at the Grey Rocks at 6.30 P.M. Eighteen of the St. Joseph's crew had then been taken off by the steamer Northern Castle. The master and three men, who were still on board, declined to leave. The lifeboat, therefore, put into Tobermory, where she stayed the night. She put out at 6.30 next morning, and this time rescued the four men, landing them at Oban at noon. Once again she returned to Tobermory, at 5 P.M., and stayed overnight. At 6.30 A.M.

on the 20th she left for her station, arriving there at 1 P.M.—Rewards, Stornoway, £28 4s. ; Barra Island, £41 12s..