FLAMBOROUGH, YORKSHIRE. At about 2 o'clock on the morning of the 6th January three of the fishing cobles belonging to Flamborough put out to sea. About three hours later, when the boats were five miles from home, the N.N.W. wind freshened until it was blowing a strong gale, bringing with it a heavy sea. As it was realized that the cobles would be in considerable danger the No. 1 Life-boat Forester was launched to their assistance, and stood by them until they had successfully weathered the headland and got into safety at the South Landing.

PORTHDINLLAEN, CARNARVONSHIRE.

The ketch James, of Carnarvon, whilst bound from Port Dinorwic in ballast, anchored in Porthdinllaen Bay on the 6th January. A whole N.N.W. gale was blowing with a heavy sea, and as the vessel was lying in an exposed position she was kept under observation throughout the night. Shortly after daylight signals of distress were seen, and the Life-boat Barbara Fleming proceeded to the ketch. On reaching her it was found that she was riding heavily to anchors, and, with some difficulty, the four men on board were rescued.

When the Life-boat returned to shore it was found that the sea was too rough to enable her to be re-housed ; she was, therefore, left at moorings until the weather moderated.

PWLLHELI, CARNARVONSHIRE.—During a strong N.N.W. gale and rough sea on 6th January, signals of distress were observed from a vessel about eight miles south-east of St. TudwalPs Lighthouse.

The Life-boat Margaret Platt of Stalybridge was launched at 4.15 P.M.

and proceeded to the vessel, which proved to be the schooner William Martin, of Dublin. The vessel, which was partly loaded with grain, was dragging her anchors. The captain and crew refused to leave their vessel, and declined any assistance to get her under way as she was too close to the Causeway.

At the request of the master the Lifeboat proceeded to St. Tudwall's Roads and procured the assistance of a steam trawler, which proceeded with the Lifeboat in tow to the position in which the vessel had been left. No trace, however, could be found of the vessel.

After cruising about for three hours the Life-boat returned to her station in tow 'of the trawler. It. was subsequently ascertained that the schooner got under ! No. 1 Life-boat Mary Theresa Boileau way when the wind had moderated a were summoned, and the boat launched, little and stood up the bay, where at On reaching the vessel, which proved to daybreak she was observed by the be the s.s. Pomerol, of Havre, Coxswain trawler and towed into the Roads. Pope at once went on board and asked the captain if he required any assistance.

TYNEMOUTH, SUNDERLAND.—On the ! He replied that no help was required at 9th January the steam trawler Limeicold, the moment, but that he wished the of Grimsby, when outward bound, ran Life-boat to stand by while efforts were ashore on the north side of the " Black ' made to refloat the vessel. The Life- Middens." The motor Life-boat Henry Vernon proceeded to her assistance and brought up alongside the vessel. She stood by the trawler for some time, but it was not found necessary for the crew to leave their vessel. The master, however, accepted the offer of the Life-boatmen to run out an anchor for the boat therefore remained in the vicinity until the steamer successfully refloated. She then came ashore. At the time of the accident the vessel was bound from Brest to Dunkirk.

MARGATE, KENT.—At 10.45 P.M. on the 10th January it was reported that purpose of getting the vessel off, and • a sprat boat—the Enchantress, of Westwhen this work had been carried out gate-on-Sea—had been missing since the boat returned to her moorings, i early morning. The weather had been The weather at the time was fine, and moderately fine during a moderate S.S.E. breeze was blowing with a moderately rough sea.

STONEHAVEN, KINCAKDINKSHIHE. — Between 10 and 11 A.M. on the 10th January the ketch Daybreak, of Peterhead, bound for Stonehaven with a cargo of coal, came into Stonehaven day, but thick, off and on, with a heavy ground sea. At about 10 P.M. the easterly wind freshened and increased to a gale, and as no information could be obtained from the neighbouring places of the missing boat, a watch was put on until midnight. At that time as there was no sign of the missing boat it was Bay with the intention of making the i decided to launch the No. 1 Life-boat harbour. The wind was blowing Eliza Harriet. At 12.15 A.M. the Life strongly from the south and there was a ; boat proceeded towards the Girdler heavy sea running. As the ketch neared • Light-vessel, as it was known that the entrance she was caught by a heavy sea and thrown to the northward and was unable to get into harbour. For some minutes the ketch was in great the boat had intended to go in that direction when she left the previous morning. When about a mile from the jetty the Life-boatmen saw a boat peril of being wrecked, being only a few which proved to be the one for which yards from the rocks when she managed : they were searching. She was .making for the harbour and the Life-boat stood by her until she got into safety, as a heavy sea was running outside.

to wear and make for the open sea. In the meanwhile the crew of the Life-boat Alexander Black had been summoned, and the boat was very expeditiously i Two days later the following letter was launched. She proceeded to the ketch -. received by the Honorary Secretary of and stood by her for about an hour, ' -the Margate branch :— till the Daybreak made another and j "13, Harold Road, successful attempt to put into harbour.

There is no doubt that the vessel on. the first occasion had a very narrow escape from being thrown on to the rocks.

DUNGENESS, KENT.—At 10.15 P.M. on the 10th January, during foggy weather, a message was received stating that a : on the 10th, 1 would like to thank you steamer was ashore at Dengemarsh. ' for the service rendered, and though Without loss of time the crew of the the boat did not have to go far before Westgate-on-Sea, Kent.

"13th Jan. 1914.

" To the Hon. Sec.

" ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT " INSTITUTION.

" DEAR SIR,—As owner of the boat which the Coxswain was anxious about seeing boat I feel grateful for the kind thought that prompted them to do as they did, as the wind came on with a nasty sea.

" Once again thanking you, I remain, " Yours truly, (Signed) " 0. W. CARE." C L A C T0 X - OX - S K A , ESS K X . At 11.30 P.M. on the 10th January the Coastguard reported that he had seen a rlare, which lie took to be a signal of distress. A careful watch was kept and after some time a similar signal was ! observed through the thick rain ; later, the horizon having cleared somewhat, two more flares were seen in the same direction. The crew of the Life-boat Albert Eilicard were therefore summoned and the boat was launched at 1.30 A.M. j The boat proceeded in the direction in which the flares were seen, and on reaching the West Gunfleet Sand found the schooner Mary Ann, of Farersham, ashore. 'She was bound, with a cargo, from London to Grimsby, but when the Life-boat reached her she had five feet of water in her hold. The Life-boat remained near the schooner until the tide flowed, when the pumps were manned : but it was found that the water was gaining on them, and it was necessary to abandon the vessel. The crew of six hands, together with their personal belongings, were taken into the Life-boat, which then returned to Claccon, where she arrived at 7.30 A.M.

on the llth January.

WALTON - ox - THE - NAZE, ESSEX.—The brigantine Eleanor, of Yarmouth, whilst bound from Seaham to Whitstable with a cargo of coal, was totally wrecked 011 the Sunk Sands on the 18th January.

The weather was hazy and cold, with a strong E.S.E. wind blowing and a rough sea. At 9.15 A.M. the Coastguard reported that the Gunfleet Light-vessel had telephoned that a vessel was on the Sands ; the assembly rockets were at once fired, and the Motor Life-boat James Stevens No. 14 proceeded with all haste to the casualty.

She reached the vessel at about 11.30 A.M., and owing to the vessel having about six feet of water in her it was not possible to do anything to save her.

The crew of seven hands, however, were rescued, and the wreck afterwards knocked over the Sands into deep water : and sank. The behaviour of both the Life-boat and motor gave the liveliest satisfaction.

ILFRACOMBE, DEVONSHIRE. — Shortly before 3 A.M. on the 28th January a message was received from the Coastguard stating that a steamer was ashore between Bull Point and Morthoe.

The Life-boat Co-operator No. 2 was ; very smartly launched, the operation being much facilitated by the Acetylene Beach Light, which lighted up the way right down to the water's edge. The Life-boat in tow of the steamer Devonia proceeded with all haste to the scene ; of the casualty, but shortly before reaching her they fell in with one of the ship's boats, leaking badly and half full of water, containing the whole of the crew of the vessel, seven in number.

It is reported that the men were very glad to be taken into the Life-boat, together with a dog and a cat belonging to the vessel. The vessel proved to be the steamer Collier, of Bristol, in ballast; she subsequently became a total wreck.

FALMOUTH, CORNWALL.—The wreck of the German barque Hera in Gerrans Bay on the 1st February was unfortunately attended by the loss of nineteen lives. The vessel, which was a fourmasted barque, of nearly 2,000 tons, was bound from Pisagua with a cargo of nitrate of soda, and, at the time of the disaster, was making for Falmouth for orders.

Fortunately, the Falmouth Life-boat, Bob Neivbon, was able to save five of the men. According to the account which they subsequently gave, the vessel had been unable for three days previously to take any bearings, and they were quite unaware of their position.

A strong south-westerly gale was blowing, with a heavy sea, and the weather was somewhat thick and cloudy, when suddenly the vessel struck the Gull Rock. She foundered very quickly after striking, but some of the men managed to get into one of the ship's boats, which almost immediately capsized, throwing them into the water.

Some scrambled back on to the vessel and took to the rigging, others being drowned. Before the vessel foundered the men on board were able to make signals of distress, and these signals were observed by the Coastguard at Portloe, who at once sent a message calling out the Falmouth Life-boat.

She proceeded with all despatch, but although in tow of a tug, owing to heavy seas she could not make rapid headway. When she reached the vicinity of the Gull rock search was made for a vessel in distress, but owing to the darkness and to the fact that the men were lashed to the only spar which remained standing, the Life-boat was unable to locate them. For a time it was thought that it would be necessary for the boat to go ashore to ascertain some further particulars, when a whistle was heard. The boat immediately pulled in the direction of the whistle, and shortly afterwards men's voices were also heard.

The Life-boat at once burnt a handlight, and the men were able to see an object sticking out of the water with men clinging to it. The boat made for them and succeeded in saving all those who had survived their terrible ordeal. Had it not been for the fortunate circumstance that the boatswain of the vessel had his whistle in his pocket there would have been, in all probability, a further loss of life. The Life-boatmen then learned that some of the men had been lost as soon as the vessel foundered, while others had succeeded in joining their comrades on the mast; but before succour came to them the majority had perished owing to cold and exhaustion. The men stated that three of their companions had clung to the mast until within five minutes of the time of arrival of the boat. As soon as the men had been saved, the Life-boat was towed back to Falmouth and all the men, who were in a state of exhaustion, were taken to the Sailors' Home and well cared for.

In connexion with this case, it is very pleasing to be able to record the pluck and courage displayed by the bowman of the Life-boat. Shortly before the Life-boat rescued the men, he had his hand considerably injured, which eventually resulted in his losing the top of one of his fingers, but notwithstanding the very great pain he was suffering, when the Coxswain expressed his willingness to return ashore after rescuing the five men from the spar, the bowman desired him to continue his search along the rocks in case any other survivors might be floating about. He also displayed the same pluck after the boat had returned ashore by refusing to be attended to by the doctor until after the shipwrecked men had been cared for. A week after the wreck, the following letter was received by the Honorary Secretary from the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners.

" Harbour Commissioners' Office, " Falmouth.

" 7th February, 1914.

" F. A. LELEAN, Esq., " The Secretary, Life-boat Committee, " Falmouth.

" DEAR SIR,—My Commissioners have heard with pleasure of the prompt and valuable services rendered by the crew of the Falmouth Life-boat on the night of Saturday, the 31st ultimo, which resulted in the saving of five of the crew of the German ship Hera, and have requested me to write and tender you on behalf of your Committee their hearty congratulations on the energy and courageous conduct displayed by the members of the crew of the Life-boat whilst rendering such services and which is in accordance with the best traditions of the Life-boat Service.

" Yours truly, (Signed) " W. W. SHREPE, " Clerk." In appreciation of the services of the crew, which were of a severe and arduous nature, the Committee of additional reward.

Management granted them ALDEBURGH, SUFFOLK. — Shortly before 6 A.M. on the 2nd February a telephone message was received from the Coastguard at Sizewell, stating that a steamer was ashore on Sizewell Bank, and making signals for assistance. The No. 2 Lifeboat Edward Z. Dresden was promptly despatched to her, and on arrival at the Sands found the s.s. Solatia, of Hamburg, ashore. The vessel, one of over 3,000 tons, was bound from Hamburg to London, partly loaded.

The captain employed the Life-boatmen to assist him in saving the vessel, and for this purpose they laid out an anchor with a wire rope attached. About six hours later they succeeded in getting the vessel afloat, and she proceeded on her voyage to London. The weather at the time was cold and hazy with a moderate S.S.W. wind blowing, and a moderate sea.

SPURN, YORKSHIRE. —• The steamer Balvenie, of Glasgow, whilst bound from Grimsby to Grangetnouth with a cargo of pig-iron, stranded on the Inner Binks on the 7th February. When the vessel first stranded the weather was moderately fine, but at about 5.45 A.M.

the wind freshened and, as the steamer was in a position of considerable danger, the Life boat proceeded to her and stood by until about 1 P.M., when she succeeded in getting clear. By this time a moderate gale was blowing, and the captain expressed his appreciation of the services performed by the Lifeboatmen in standing by the steamer until she was out of danger. } BROUGHTY FERRY, FORFARSHIRE.— ; At 9.30 A.M. on the 8th February a message was received by telephone stat- j ing that a vessel was in distress off I Buddonness Lighthouse. A strong gale was blowing at the time with a heavy j sea. The motor Life-boat Maria was at once launched and proceeded down the river under sails and motor. When the Life-boat reached the ship she found j that she had been riding to one anchor, but that it had dragged, whereupon another anchor had been let go as the vessel was in close proximity to the j Sands, and was in great danger, owing to the direction of the gale. Th« Lifeboat remained by the vessel until she succeeded in getting out of danger, and then returned to her station. The | vessel was the schooner Dalmaris, of Goole, and was bound from Gooie to Newburgh.

MARGATE, KENT.—At 9.30 A.M. on the 8th February the Coastguard re- j ported that the Girdler Light-vessel was firing distress signals, and shortly afterwards a message was received by wireless telegraphy from a steamer stating that the Girdler Light-vessel had reported to her that a schooner was ashore on the Sands, and that a steamer was standing by. The No. 2 Life-boat Civil Service No. 1 was launched without delay and proceeded to the vessel, which proved to be the schooner Cimbria, of Tromso, bound from Oivita Vecchia to London with a cargo of carbide of calcium.

On the Life-boat reaching the vessel the captain at once employed the crew to try and get her clear of the Sands and to man the pumps, as she was leaking very considerably. Ten Life-boatmen were placed on board, and rendered very valuable assistance; they then ran out an anchor with a steel hawser attached, by which the vessel was secured in her position. In the meantime the pumps were kept constantly working; and later, when the tide had risen, the vessel was hove off the sands, and the steamer, which was in the vicinity, towed her to a safe anchorage for the night. The Life-boat lay by the schooner all night, eight of the crew remaining on board the vessel to keep the pumps working. At 9 A.M. the vessel was towed into the Thames and the Life-boat returned to her station.

When the Life-boat first reached the schooner a whole S.S.W. gale was blowing with a very rough sea, but after the vessel had been extricated from her perilous position, the weather moderated somewhat.

DONAGHADEE, CO. DOWN. At 10A.M.

on the llth February a telegram was received stating that a vessel in Red Bay, co. Antrim, was flying signals of distress. The motor Life-boat William and Laura was at once despatched to her assistance, thirty-two miles distant. On reaching the vessel, which proved to be the schooner Kate, of Castletown, she was found rolling badly, and the crew were unable either to get their anchor, or to get ashore in their own boat on account of the rough sea. The Life-boatmen shortened up the schooner's cable for the master, but as soon as this was done he changed his mind and would not sail, as the weather was getting worse. The crew of the Kate then let out all her cable again, and in a lull they and the master, taking their baggage with them, proceeded ashore and left the vessel to ride the gale out. As no further assistance was required from the Life-boat she returned to her station, where she arrived at 9.30 P.M. At the time the Life-boat was called out a strong S.S. W.

breeze was blowing with a moderate sea, but later the wind increased and the weather, as stated above, became worse.

NEWHAVEN, SUSSEX.—The schooner Maria, of Fowey, whilst bound from Charlestown to Ghent, with a cargo of china clay, attempted to put into Newhaven Harbour on the 12th February.

A strong southerly gale was blowing with a heavy sea, and the vessel stranded on the bar at the entrance to the harbour. Information of the casualty was received at 6.10 A.M. by the Honorary Secretary of the Branch, who ordered out the Motor Life-boat Sir FitzBoy Clayton. Shortly after the Life- ! boat reached the vessel she floated on the rising tide, and the Life-boat assisted her safely into Newhaven Harbour.

DUNGENESS, KENT.—During a whole southerly gale on the 12th February information was received that a steam tug was ashore on the Newcombe Bank, and was making signals of distress.

The crew of the No. 2 Life-boat Thomas Simcox was assembled without delay, and the boat launched. On getting alongside the vessel it was seen that the sea was breaking right over her and her crew, eleven in number, as soon as possible jumped into the Life-boat, which conveyed them in safety ashore.

The vessel was the steam tug Liniers, of Buenos Ayres, and she was bound for that port when the accident occurred.

LOWESTOFT, NORFOLK. •— Coxswain John Swan of the Lowestoft Life-boat Kentwell was called out by the beachmen at 4.30 P.M. on the 15th February and informed that a vessel was aground at the entrance to the harbour. The Life-boat was launched without loss of time, but before she reached the vessel the latter had been knocked by the sea along the north extension and three of the crew had managed to scramble on to the pier, two others however remaining on board. Eventually a rope was passed from the pier to the vessel and she was hauled into harbour, the Lifeboat remaining alongside until she was in safety. The vessel was the trawler Wave Crest, of Lowestoft, homeward bound, laden with fish. There was a heavy sea running at the time and a strong breeze blowing from S.W. by W.

Just after returning from this service another smack was seen burning flares, outside the harbour, for assistance.

The boat was, therefore, launched again and proceeded to the vessel, which was the trawler Comrades, of Lowestoft.

On reaching her it was found that she had gone on the sandbank outside the harbour and was making a lot of water.

The Coxswain asked the skipper if the crew wished to leave the vessel, but this they declined to do, but at the same time he asked the Coxswain to remain in close proximity to the vessel as she was leaking badly. The crew had got all their clothes on deck ready to leave the trawler, and the pumps were kept constantly at work to keep her afloat. The Life-boat therefore stood by until about 7 P.M. when a tug came up with another vessel, which was also leaking badly. The tug signalled to the Life-boat to go to this vessel's assistance and, the Life-boatmen finding that the crew of the Comrades were able to keep the water under, left the Comrades and went to the other vessel, which was the trawler Active, of Lowestoft.

It was found that she also had been ashore and was making a lot of water and wanted assistance. Some of the Life-boatmen were put on board to help the crew to work the pumps. After a short time, finding that the water was gaining on her the skipper asked the Coxswain to go into harbour and get some more pumps and some more help. The Life-boat accordingly returned ashoreand, ha vingshipped twelve more men and two pumps, returned to the Active and put them on board. With the additional assistance the trawler was kept afloat and at about 9 P.M. was towed into harbour by a tug. The Life-boat then returned to the Comrades to see if she required any further assistance, and stood by her until about 10 P.M., when she also was towed into safety.

DUNGENESS, KENT.—On the 17th February, shortly before 11 P.M., whilst the schooner Sarah Ann, of Fowey, was bound from London to Bridport, with a cargo of cement, she stranded on the Newcombe Bar Her signals for assistance were seen by the Coastguard who reported the matter to the Life-boat authorities. The No. 2 Life-boat Thomas Simcox was launched and, at the request of the master of the schooner, stood by in readiness to land the crew if necessary.

The schooner was making water but the master succeeded in refloating her on the flood tide, and she was taken to a safe anchorage in the roadstead.

PALLING, NORFOLK. — Shortly after 2 A.M. on the 18th February the ketch Lord Aleester, of London, and the ketch Spartan, of Montrose, collided about one and a half miles to the E.S.E.

of Palling. The No. 2 Life-boat Hearts I of Oak was promptly despatched in I answer to their signals of distress, and on reaching the scene of the casualty found the vessels at anchor.

The Lord Alcester had lost all her headgear and the Life-boatmen were j engaged to take the vessel to Lowestoft, which they succeeded in doing.

The other ketch was also in difficulties, and some of the Life-boatmen were put on board and, with the assistance of a tug, the Spartan was taken into safety.