JANUARY 3RD. - WALMER, KENT. At 5.49 in the evening the Deal coastguard reported red flares east-by-north about four miles distant. A south-west gale was blowing, with a rough sea, and squalls of rain and sleet. The motor life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 2), was launched at 6.10 and near North West Goodwin Buoy saw H.M.S. Balsom. At her request she went to the help of eight men in a ship’s boat.

They had left the American steamer George M. Verity during the afternoon to obtain supplies from another ship, but their engine had failed and they had been carried out towards the Goodwin Sands. As darkness approached and they were unable to regain their ship they burnt red flares. The lifeboat took on board the eight men and took the boat in tow. She intended to make for Walmer, but learning that the George M. Verity was due to leave the Downs at eleven that night, she searched for her among the ships at anchor in the Downs. During this search the ship’s boat became water-logged, broke adrift, and was lost. At 8.30 the life-boat found the steamer and put the men on board her. Her master handed a letter of appreciation to the coxswain, and the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 9.45.- Rewards, £31 4s.