AP R I L 1 S T - 2 N D . - S T O R N O W A Y , ISLAND OF LEWIS. During the forenoon of the 1st April, a strong easterly wind sprang up increasing to a whole gale, with a rough sea. The harbour was very congested with vessels taking shelter. One of these, the Italian steamer Verbania, of Naples, in ballast, which had been towed into Stornoway. short of coal, while bound from Aarhus to Newc a s t l e , d r a g g e d h e r a n c h o r s a n d f o u l e d several coal hulks. The coal hulk Black Miner, of Stornoway, was in grave danger of being fouled and at 4.30 P.M., the motor life-boat William and Harriot was launched and landed the twelve men, on board the hulk, returning to her station at 5.30 P.M.

The Black Miner held to her moorings.

On the following day the Verbania was again in difficulties and went ashore near Holm Point. A light westerly wind was blowing and the sea was slight. In response to a red flare the motor life-boat launched at 2.15 A.M., but found the crew were in no immediate danger. She stood by for a time and returned to her station again at 3.30 A.M.

The VERBANIA was later refloated with the help of an Admiralty trawler. - Rewards : £3 5s. 6d. ; and £6 11s..