PEEL, ISLE OF MAN. — The lugger Maria Jane, of Peel, left the harbour at about 4 p.m., on the 26th March, for mackerel fishing off the coast of Ireland.

A strong breeze was then blowing from N.N.W. and the sea was rough. She sailed out of the bay and when she arrived behind the breakwater her fore- mast suddenly snapped, falling overboard with the sails, and had to be cut adrift.

Finding themselves close under the sharp rocks at Peel Castle her crew let go an anchor, which fortunately held, but although for the time the lugger was safe she was liable at any moment to certain destruction should her anchor drag or the cable part. Her position being seen from the shore, the Life-boat signal was tired and in ten minutes the Mayhem Medwin was on her way to the vessel. The wind had by that time increased to a gale and the sea had become very heavy. Finding that the anchor was still holding, some of the Life-boatmen boarded the lugger, assisted to rig a jury mast and to improvise sails, after which the anchor was slipped and the vessel was taken back into a place of safety.