JUNE 9TH. - NEW BRIGHTON, CHESHIRE.

About 10.40 at night it was reported that the naval cadet boat Free Lance (a converted life-boat) was dragging her anchors north of New Brighton pier. A fresh westerly wind was blowing, and the sea was choppy, with a heavy swell. One sea broke on board and swamped the engineroom.

Three life-boatmen put out in the life-boat’s motor boarding boat. They were unable to tow the Free Lance, but they rescued the nine officers and cadets on board.

At 11.30 it was reported that the Free Lance was striking the piles of New Brighton pier, and the No. 1 motor life-boat William and Kate Johnston was launched. She found the Free Lance partly under the pier and at some risk went alongside. A life-boatman went on board and fastened a tow rope. The lifeboat then towed the Free Lance clear and took her to moorings off New Brighton stage.

She returned to her station at 1.55. - Rewards, £10 5s. (See New Brighton, ”Services by Shore-boats,” page 58.).