(Chief Boatman to Messrs. Thos. Cook and Son, at Jaffa.)
"The Russian steamer _Ichihatchoff_ was wrecked on the rocks of Jaffa on
the 18th February, 1891. More than twenty passengers had been swept away
before anything was done to save life. At 6.30 a.m., on the 19th
February, Girby and his brothers launched a boat, and proceeded to the
vessel, from whence they brought off a number of the passengers and
landed them. In making a second attempt their boat was smashed against
the inner reef, and it was found impossible to launch another.
"Girby then swam backwards and forwards to the vessel fifteen times,
bringing someone with him to shore each time. The Silver Medal was voted
to Suleiman Girby."
"At 8 p.m. on the 26th April, 1891, the French frigate _Seignelay_
parted anchors, and was carried on to the rocks at Jaffa. It was blowing
a heavy gale at the time, and none of the natives, excepting Girby,
would offer the slightest assistance. Girby volunteered to swim to the
ship and deliver a letter to the captain from the Governor. The ship was
half a mile from shore, but he accomplished the work after a two hours'
swim in a heavy sea. After doing this he dived under the ship and
examined the hull, reporting her sound. He then swam ashore, taking a
message from the captain. Towards morning, when the sea got higher, the
captain signalled, and Suleiman again swam out, and brought back the
captain's wife fastened on his back. The Silver Clasp was voted to
Suleiman Girby."
[Illustration: EDITH BRILL.
_From a Photo. by Cobb & Keir, Plumstead Road._]