MARGATE, KENT.—At 10.45 P.M. on the 10th January it was reported that a sprat boat—the Enchantress, of Westwhen gate-on-Sea—had been missing since i early morning. The weather had been moderately fine during 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 i decided to launch the No. 1 Life-boat Eliza Harriet. At 12.15 A.M. the Lifestrongly boat proceeded towards the Girdler Light-vessel, as it was known that 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 which proved to be the one for which 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.

i Two days later the following letter was -. received by the Honorary Secretary of -the Margate branch :— j "13, Harold Road, : on the 10th, 1 would like to thank you ' for the service rendered, and though thej 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 SIK,—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.

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..