Obverse: Within an oak wreath. Inscription: 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE'. Reverse: An oval shield with inscription having as supporters a female figure (left) holding a laurel branch, and Mercury (right) with caduceus, both standing on a pedestal decorated with an olive branch (centre). Legend: 'MINISTERE DE LA MARINE ET DES COLONIES'. Inscription: 'MINISTERE DE LA MARINE A J. LEWIS CAPIT. DE COTRE TRYAL SECOURS A DES MARINES FRANCAIS 1852'. This medal is fitted with a loop and ring.

This medal was awarded to John Lewis (1819-1894), master of the cutter 'Aurora's Increase' for his part in saving the crew of the French brig Etoile de la Mer in 1851 which had run aground on the Longsand, in the North Sea off the coast of Essex, United Kingdom..