Plymouth, Devon.—The German Schooner Erna, belonging to Bremen, drove ashore on Drake's Island in Plymouth Sound on the night of the 21st February, during a S.S.E. gale which at times attained the violence of a hurricane. The vessel became a total wreck, but the crew of five hands were saved. The Life-boat Eliza Avins was launched at about 11.30 P.M., a rumour having been received that a vessel was in distress. The rescue of the crew reflected great credit on all concerned as a tremendous sea was running, and the conditions were momentarily becoming worse. When the Life-boat reached the schooner she was on her beam ends, the seas were making a clean breach over her, and the men on board were in considerable danger of being swept overboard.

The Life-boat was in charge of the Second Coxswain, F. J. Eagles, who handled the boat with very great skill when manoeuvring her into a suitable position to rescue the crew. After the anchor had been let go she was veered down under the schooner's bowsprit, from which position the men jumped into the boat. They were then conveyed ashore and taken to the Sailors' Home. The vessel had put' into Plymouth Sound earlier in the day through stress of weather, but dragged her anchor when the weather became so boisterous and ran ashore as already described.

Newbiggin and Cresswell, Northumberland. — During a terrific S.E. gale on the 22nd February, the ship Arctic Stream, of Glasgow, was totally wrecked between Cresswell and Newbiggin.

She was bound at the time from Leith to the Tyne in ballast. The Life-boats Ada Lewis, of Newbiggin, and Martha, of Cresswell, were promptly summoned to the assistance of the men on board. The Newbiggin boat was transported for nearly three miles over a very broken and rough road without horses, willing help being given by sixty men to haul the boat. When launching great danger and difficulty were experienced owing to the rocky nature of the coast and the heavy sea running, but the difficulties were overcome, and this Life-boat reached the vessel a few minutes before the Cresswell boat, which had also launched in a very heavy sea to the leeward of the wreck.

In the launching operations of the Cresswell boat valuable help was given to the Life-boatmen by their wives, sons, and daughters, many of whom were wet to the skin in getting the boat afloat. They had an exceptionally trying time when dragging the boat to a suitable launching place, as they frequently slipped on the rocks and fell into deep holes between the ledges, which were full of water.

Ultimately the Life-boat got alongside, and the nineteen persons on board including two women and a boy, were rescued, thirteen being brought ashore by the Newbiggin boat and six by the Cresswell boat.

In spite of the rough and cold weather which prevailed, large crowds gathered on the shore to witness the work of rescue, and the Life-boatmen were loudly cheered on their return. The Arctic Stream broke up very quickly and the shore was strewn with wreckage.

In recognition of the good work accomplished on this occasion the Committee of Management presented the Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum to the Coxswain of each of the Life-boats, and granted each member of the crews an extra monetary reward, in addition to rewarding the helpers in a suitable manner.

Rosslare Harbour, co. Wexford. — During a whole westerly gale on Sunday the 22nd February information was received that a vessel in Wexford Bay was making signals of distress. The crew of the Life-boat were summoned, and the boat was launched as quickly as possible. On reaching the vessel, which proved to be the schooner Alice T., of Wexford, it was found that her anchor was dragging, and the crew, four in number, were desirous of being landed. They were accordingly taken into the Lifeboat.

About the same time it was noticed that another schooner—The Perseverance—was also dragging her anchors. The Life-boat, therefore, proceeded to her and took off the four men forming the crew. They were then brought ashore. The vessels managed to ride out the gale and the men were able to return aboard the next day when the weather had moderated.

Fethard, co. Wexford.— An account of the rescue of part of the crew of the schooner Mexico on the 20th— 23rd February, 1914, when the Lifeboat was wrecked, appears on page 144 of the May LIFE-BOAT JOURNAL.

Hope Cove, Devon. — At 9.30 A.M.

on the 28th February the Coastguard reported that a ship was ashore at Bolberry Down. The crew of the Lifeboat Alexander were at once assembled, and the boat was launched within a quarter of an hour. They found the steamer Jane Howe, of Gefle, stranded about one and a half miles to the eastward of Bolt Tail. When the boat got alongside the master requested the Coxswain to stand by him, as he had already despatched a telegram by a small steamer to obtain the assistance of tugs.

Three hours later, no tugs having arrived on the scene, the Life-boat prepared to return ashore to summon further help. While doing so tugs were seen approaching, and the boat returned to the vessel. The tugs made fast to the steamer and endeavoured until 9.30 P.M. to refloat her, but without success. It was then decided to abandon operations till next morning, and, as the Life-boat was not then needed, she returned to her station.

At 6.30 A.M. next morning the boat again proceeded to the vessel, which had then driven much further on shore than on the previous day. As the sea was making a clean breach over her and she was lying broadside on, the Coxswain found it impossible to approach her on the inner side. He got a line aboard, however, from the outside, but the crew declined to be hauled through the sea to the boat. In the meanwhile the Rocket Apparatus had effected communication and, as the crew elected to go ashore by means of the apparatus, the Life-boat stood by until the whole of the crew had been taken off. She then returned ashore and was re-housed.

Totland Bay, Isle of Wight. — At 8.35 A.M. on the 12th March a telegram was received from Milford - on - Sea, stating that a small vessel was labouring heavily in a dismasted condition, and displaying signals of distress. The crew of the Life-boat Robert Fleming were at once assembled and the boat was launched. She proceeded to Milford Bay where she found the cutter yacht Coo, of Southampton, with one man on board, in a very bad position.

The Life-boat took the yacht in tow and proceeded towards Yarmouth, but meeting the full force of the strong ebb-tide she made hardly any progress.

Subsequently the Government boat Crystal took the Life-boat in tow to Yarmouth, where the Coo was left. The Life-boat then returned to Totland Bay.

It was eventually ascertained that the Coo had been in tow of another vessel but broke adrift when near the Needles, and the towing vessel saw no more of her. At the time of this service there was a strong southerly wind blowing, with a rough sea.

Montrose, Forfarshire. •—• During a moderate S.S.E. gale and a heavy sea on the 12th March a telephone message was received from Scurdy Ness Lighthouse stating that there were three small fishing boats in the Bay in considerable danger, as the sea was too heavy on the bar for them to attempt to come in. The No. 1 Life-boat Sarah Jane Turner was launched in response and proceeded to the boats.

The two men in the first of the boats were taken on board the Life-boat and brought into safety, their boat being taken in tow. The Life-boat then proceeded to the second boat and brought in her crew of three hands together with their boat; she then put to sea a third time and dealt with the other boat in a like manner, the whole of the men, eight in number, being saved. After this service had been performed it was ascertained that two of the larger fishing boats were still at sea, and the Life-boat waited until about 1 P.M. and stood by them as they crossed the bar.

Newhaven, Sussex. •— At 6.30 P.M. on the 13th March during a S.W. gale, information was received that a barge— the Jachin, of Maldon — bound from London to Newport, Isle of Wight, with a cargo of wheat, had struck the bar and was driving into the Bay. The Motor Life-boat Sir FitzRoy Clayton was promptly despatched to her assistance, and the captain of the barge requested the Coxswain to obtain the services of a tug. For this purpose the Life-boat returned to harbour, but found that the tug was not available. The Life-boat then returned to the barge, and very shortly afterwards her cables parted and she began to drive rapidly ashore ; the crew of three hands were, therefore, rescued and taken into harbour.

Newhaven, Sussex. — On the 14th March at 7.15 A.M. the motor Life-boat Sir FitzRoy Clayton was again called out to the assistance of the brigantine Catherine, of Folkestone, which ran ashore on the east bank at the harbour entrance, when coming into Newhaven with a cargo of stone from Cherbourg.

When the Life-boat reached the vessel the sea was breaking right over her, and Coxswain Payne offered to take the crew ashore, but only three of vhe men consented. He landed these three and then returned to the brigantine and found that, in the meanwhile, a tug had come to her assistance. The captain of the vessel asked the Coxswain to take a line to the tug, which he did. But the tug was unable to do anything and found it necessary to slip her cable to prevent being dragged ashore. The Life-boat then proceeded alongside again and took off another man, who was conveyed ashore, but three others still declined to leave. She then returned to the Catherine and after she had stood by for some time the remaining men were with great difficulty rescued and taken to Newhaven. During this service a whole southerly gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea, and the became a total wreck.

vessel The Mumbles, Glamorganshire.—During a moderate to strong gale on the 14th March a three-masted schooner was observed at anchor on the south side of the Greengrounds, dragging her anchors. As she was in a position of danger, and had hoisted a two flag signal, the Life-boat Charlie Medland was launched and proceeded to her.

She proved to be the schooner Isolda, of Gothenburg, bound for Swansea.

Communication was effected and the master of the vessel requested that his wife and two children should be taken ashore. With some difficulty they were transferred to the boat, which then proceeded to Swansea and landed them.

The crew of the vessel declined to leave her, and fortunately the anchors held and she did not drag to any serious extent, otherwise she would in all probability have been lost, and at low water the sea would probably have been too heavy and broken for the Life-boat to have rescued the persons on board.

Newbiggin, Northumberland. -—• Considerable excitement was caused on the morning of the 16th March in the village of Newbiggin owing to fifteen of the cobles belonging to the port having been overtaken by bad weather when at sea. The boats went off fishing at about 5 A.M. when the wind was very moderate, but about 6.30 A.M. a gale blew up from the N.E. very suddenly, and the sea grew rapidly. Most of the boats ran for shelter, and when off Newbiggin at about 8.30 A.M. it was seen that they were in great danger of being swamped. The Life-boat Ada Lewis was therefore launched without loss of time and stood by several of the cobles until they got into safety. It was then found that one of the boats was missing.

The Life-boat therefore went in search of her and found her about three miles from the shore. The boat was convoyed into safety, the Life-boat remaining in close attendance. The Life-boatmen were loudly cheered on their return to land, and the relatives and friends of the men were greatly relieved when all had landed in safety.

Filey, Yorkshire.—-At 5 A.M. on the 16th March, twenty of the fishing cobles put to sea to haul their crab pots, but two hours later the wind shifted to the N.E. and increased to a gale, bringing with it a very heavy sea. The boats at once ran for shelter, and at about 9 A.M. it was seen that three of the boats were in danger in the vicinity of the Brigg. The Life-boat Hollon the Third was, therefore, sent to their assistance, and stood by them until they got into safety.

Wbitby, Yorkshire.—While the fishing fleet of cobles were at sea on the morning of the 16th March a gale of wind suddenly sprang up from the north and backed into the north-east.

The boats at once made for the harbour, but some of them being to leeward, and having to sail across the Whitby Rock to get into safety, considerable anxiety was felt for the safety of their occupants.

At 10 A.M. the No. 2 Life-boat John Fielden proceeded to their assistance and stood by them until in safety. The rocket brigade were also in attendance ready to render assistance if necessary, and their lines were stretched across the harbour entrance in case of accident.

Flamborough, Yorkshire. —• Owing to the N.E. wind on the 16th March freshening suddenly, and bringing up a heavy sea, two of the fishing cobles were in great danger when at sea for the purpose of hauling their crab pots.

The Coxswain of the Life-boat happened to be in one of the boats. Information reached the village at about 10 A.M. that the boats were in great danger; the Bowman, therefore, at once obtained a crew and launched the No. 1 Life-boat Forester, which stood by the cobles until they succeeded in getting into safety.

Scarborough, Yorkshire. — Several of the fishing cobles were overtaken by a strong N.E. gale and rough sea on the 16th March when out attending to their crab pots. As it was seen that the cobles were in danger a steam trawler, which was in the Roads, proceeded to those which were to the southward and escorted them to the entrance of the harbour, while the Lifeboat Queensbury was launched and proceeded to one of the cobles which was coming in from the northward. Having seen this boat into safety the Life-boat again put to sea, and when about two and a half miles off fell in with three more cobles and escorted them into port.

The cobles assisted were the Winifred, Amelia, Friendship, and Lionel.

Sunderland, Durham. — Early on the morning of the 16th March a N.E. wind increased to a moderate gale, and at about 9 A.M. a telephone message was received from the Docks stating that three fishing cobles were in difficulties off Souter Point, about three miles north of Sunderland. The crew of the Motor Life-boat J. McConnel Hussey were assembled, and the boat proceeded to the assistance of the cobles, encountering a very heavy sea on the bar. The boat then remained in attendance on the cobles until they came safely into harbour. Two of the boats belonged to Cullercoats and the third to Whitburn. Owing to the suddenness of the gale the cobles lost all their fishing gear.

Bridlington Quay, Yorkshire.—Shortly before 10 A.M. on the 16th March the N.N.E. wind became very squally, and increased to a gale, when three of the Bridlington Quay fishing-boats, which had gone off early in the morning, were off Hornsea. At about 11 A.M. the wind increased to hurricane force, and as no news could be obtained of the boats by telephone, steps were taken to launch the Life-boat George and Jane Walker. By this time the sea was very heavy, and the Lifeboat proceeded south in search of the missing boats. She came up with the cobles about ten miles from Bridlington.

One of the boats had had her headsails blown away and all three were shipping a great deal of water. The Life-boat stood by them and accompanied them into harbour, which was reached at about 3 P.M. The boats assisted were the Ocean Bride, Elsie May and Doris.

Harwich, Essex.—Shortly before 10 A.M. on the 18th March a telephone message was received by the Harwich Coastguard reporting that a vessel, with her sails blown away, was driving east of Woodbridge Haven, and showing signals of distress. The steam Lifeboat City of Glasgow was despatched in response to the message, and on arrival at the position indicated found the ketch Malvoisin, of London, labouring heavily and unmanageable. At the request of the master of the ketch the Lifeboat helped him to effect communication with a tug, which had also come to the vessel's assistance, and the ketch and her crew of five hands were then taken into Harwich Harbour, accompanied by the Life-boat, the weather being very rough with a S.W. gale blowing. The vessel was bound from Lynn to London with a cargo of potatoes.

Margate, Kent.—At 6.15 P.M. on the 19th March a telephone message was received from Kentish Knock Lightvessel reporting that a barque, apparently on the Kentish Knock Sands, was burning flares for assistance. The crew of the No. 2 Life-boat Civil Service No. 1 were at once assembled and the boat proceeded to the Sands. When proceeding through the Roads the Life-boat saw the Trinity boat Irene at anchor, and, as the wind was light, Coxswain S. Clayson requested the master to tow the Life-boat; this he generously consented to do. When the S.E. Knock Buoy was reached the Life-boat slipped the tow rope and proceeded to the vessel, which was still burning flares for help.

She proved to be the barque Matador, of Bremen, bound from that port to Trinidad, with a general cargo. When the Life-boat arrived alongside the captain at once employed the Life-boatmen to try and get the ship clear of the sands.

Ten men were placed on board shortly after 9 P.M., and they continued to jettison the cargo until 4.30 next morning.

In the meanwhile the Life-boat procured the assistance of a tug and arrangements were made for her to come near to the ship as soon as there was sufficient water. At about 4 A.M., the tide being . five hours flood, the tug was able to approach the barque, and eventually the vessel and her crew of twentytwo hands were taken into safety. The vessel was afterwards towed to London, and the Life-boat returned to her station, where she arrived at 8.30 A.M.

Gourdon, Kincardineshire.—While the fishing-boats were at sea on the 20th March the south-easterly wind increased rapidly, bringing up with it a very heavy sea. As it was realized that it would be quite unsafe for the boats to attempt to get into Gourdon Harbour, they were signalled to keep off, and the Life-boat Theophilus Sidney EcJialaz was launched and stood by them. As soon as the boat got to the endangered fishing-boats they made for Johnshaven, the Life-boat accompanying the last one and landing at Johnshaven, where she remained until the weather had moderated. On this occasion all the enrolled members of the Life-boat crew were at sea in the boats, and the Life-boat was manned by a scratch crew.

Johnshaven, Kincardineshire.

—Shortly after 10 A.M. on the 20th March a telephone message was received from Gourdon intimating that a very heavy sea was running at the harbour mouth, and that the fishing-boats had been warned not to attempt to come in, and, further, that the Gourdon Lifeboat was being launched to their assistance. Some of the fishing-boats ran for Johnshaven for shelter, and, on their appearance in the offing, the Johnshaven boat, Sarah Ann Holden, was launched to stand by them until they should succeed in getting into safety. Two pilots were taken out in the Life-boat, and these men were put aboard the two boats which most required them. After all the boats had got into the harbour, the Gourdon Life-boat also came in, and was drawn up and left until the weather moderated, when she was able to return to her own station.

Port St. Mary, Isle of Man. — Coxswain Kelly of the Life-boat James Stevens No. 1 on the 23rd March saw a schooner miss stays and get into a dangerous position near the rocks beneath the lime kilns at Port St. Mary.

A strong southerly breeze was blowing at the time with a rough sea. He imme- diately fired the signal to summon the crew, and in less than ten minutes the Life-boat was afloat, and on her way to the vessel under oars and sails. She proved to be the schooner Julia, of Fecamp, bound from Lisbon to Iceland with a cargo of salt. When the Lifeboat reached her she had already managed to get into safety, although to do so an anchor and thirty fathoms of chain had to be abandoned. The captain of the Julia spoke very little English, but made it clear to the Coxswain that he was anxious to recover his small boat and three of the crew who had gone ashore an hour previously for provisions. The wind was now increasing and the sea becoming rougher. The Life-boat returned to the pier and a few minutes later the schooner's small boat, manned by three men, started off under oars to rejoin the Julia. As it was thought that with such a small boat the crew, pulling against wind and sea, would have great difficulty in reaching their vessel, it was decided to accompany them. The Life-boat, therefore, did so, but before the small boat had got one third of the way, the oarsmen became exhausted. The Life-boat immediately bore down on them and, throwing a rope to the men, towed the boat to the vessel, a distance of one and a half miles.

When this had been successfully accomplished and the men were again on board their vessel the Life-boat returned to her station. There is no doubt that the small boat was in danger of being swamped and it was very fortunate that the Life-boat was close at hand to render such timely assistance.

Arbroath, Forfarshire At 6.30 P.M.

on the 25th March a small motor fishing-boat named the Golden Rule was seen to be in danger in the heavy sea, and unable to make the harbour owing to the low tide. It was, therefore, considered advisable to launch the Life-boat James Stevens No. 13, and this was accomplished, but great difiiculty was experienced owing to the lowness of the tide and the soft mud over which it was necessary to drag the Life-boat on her carriage. Having reached the fishing-boat, the Life-boat stood by her for some hours and then accompanied her over the bar into harbour.

Spurn, Yorkshire.—At 8 P.M. on the 25th March it was reported that the Bull Light-vessel was firing rockets, and in response the crew of the Lifeboat were assembled, and the boat proceeded to her. On arrival it was found that a collision had occurred between the Norwegian steamer Norris, outward bound, and the English brigantine Jean Anderson, of Hull, bound from London to Hull with lubricating oil.

The collision had occurred quite close to the Light-vessel and one of the ships fouled her, but the master stated that the Light-vessel was not damaged and that he did not require any assistance.

The boat then proceeded to the brigantine, and the captain asked Coxswain Cross to stand by and, if possible, assist him to save the vessel.

The brigantine was making water fast, as her bows had been completely cut off to the water-line. Four Life-boatmen were placed on board to help to man the pumps and the Life-boat remained in close attendance while the brigantine was towed to Grimsby by the Norris. At Grimsby a tug came to the brigantine and took her to Hull, the four Life-boatmen remaining on board, but the Life-boat returned to her station.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Yorkshire. — The Life-boat Mary Batger was launched shortly after 1 A.M. on the 14th May in response to distress signals, a vessel having stranded, in foggy weather, during the night on the rocks at Huntcliffe. The Life-boat, on arrival, found the s.s. Stranton, of Dundee, a large vessel of upwards of 1,050 tons, which had left Sunderland on the evening tide bound for Brightlingsea with a cargo of coal. In the fog she got out of her course and ran on the outlying rocks. As the crew were in no immediate danger, the weather being moderate, the Life-boat stood by the vessel until about 5 A.M. when tugs arrived upon the scene. They then succeeded in towing the vessel clear, and the Life-boat returned to her station.