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The S.S. Middlesbro’ and the S.S. Phaeasian

DEC. 9TH. - FLAMBOROUGH, YORKSHIRE.

At 8.15 P.M. a message was received that distress signals had been seen E.N.E. of the life-boat station. A strong S. wind was blowing, and there was a moderate ground swell. At 9 P.M. the motor life-boat Elizabeth and Albina Whitley was launched. It was dead low water with heavy spring tides, and the launch was difficult. Many of’ the helpers had to go into the water up to their waists.

The life-boat found the S.S. Middlesbro’, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, N.E. by N. of Flamborough Light, with her after part awash.

The life-boat cruised round her, hailing her all the time, but got no answer. She then saw a faint light to the N.E., and on going in this direction for about a mile and a half she found another steamer, hove to, which signalled her to come alongside. She wasthe S.S. Phaeasian and had picked up the crew of the Middlesbro’, fifteen in number, from their ship’s boats. The life-boat took them all on board. All were exhausted, and when the life-boat landed them they were put in the care of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society. The life-boat returned to her station at 11.30 P.M. Meanwhile the master of the Middlesbro’ had realised that his wrecked steamer, in her present position in the fairway of traffic, was a danger to shipping, and asked to be taken out to her again The lifeboat crew changed into dry clothing and put out for the second time at 1.30 A.M. No trace of the steamer could then be found and it was concluded that she had foundered.

The life-boat then returned to her station at 3.40 A.M. - Rewards, £37 16s..