Several of the fishing-boats belonging to Bally- cotton, when at sea, were overtaken by the storm of the llth-12th January.

The majority of them reached safety, but the Winefred, having lost her sails, drifted into Trabulgan Bay, where she remained the whole night. The crew were in a helpless condition, overcome with cold and hunger.

During the morning of the 12th January information as to the boat's whereabouts reached Ballycotton, and it was decided to send the Life-boat T. P. Hearne to the men's assistance. The boat was launched shortly after noon and found the crew in a condition bordering on unconsciousness. Some of the Life-boatmen were put on board; they unselfishly took oft' part of their clothing to wrap up the exhausted men, ;ind with haste conveyed them ashore, where they were provided with hot tea.

Later in the day H.M.S. Thrush kindly towed the Life-boat and the rescued men back to Ballycotton, which was reached at about 11 P.M. In this case five men were rescued from a very perilous position, and there is no doubt that they could not have held out much longer.

Great relief was felt when the men were brought in safety to their homes, and their relatives expressed gratitude for the timely rescue..