Nov. 12TH. - LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK.

At 4.15 A.M. a message was received from the coastguard that a steamer was aground on the Newcombe Sands. A light S.W. wind was blowing, with a moderate sea, and a thick fog. At 4.30 A.M. a further message was received from the Senior Naval Officer at the Nore that seven steamers belonging to a convoy were aground on the Newcombe Sands. The motor life-boat Michael Stephens, with the second coxswain in charge, was launched and found the S.S. Appledore bound for Hull, hard and fast on the sands. The fog had now lifted and six other steamers could be seen. As the tide rose they refloated, and the life-boat escorted each into deeper water and safety. The life-boat then returned to the S.S. Appledore, which two tugs were trying to refloat. The attempt was unsuccessful. The life-boat returned to her station at 1 P.M. At 8.40 P.M. a message was received from the coastguard that the Senior Naval Officer at Lowestoft required an urgent letter to be taken by the life-boat to the captain of the S.S. Appledore. The weather was still hazy, and at 9.30 P.M. the life-boat was again launched and took the letter, returning to her station at 11.30 P.M. The Appledore was refloated on the following day - Rewards : First launch, £33 1s. ; second launch, expenses paid by naval authorities.