ON the afternoon of 12th August a message was received at the Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, Station, that a sailingboat had capsized about a mile and a half from the shore, off Fort Victoria.

A moderate gale was blowing, and the sea was rough. Within five minutes the Motor Life-boat was launched, the Honorary Secretary going with her, as neither the Coxswain nor Second Coxswain was immediately available, and within fifteen minutes she had reached the wreck and picked up two men and two ladies who had been on board her. One of the ladies has sent us the following account of the rescue : " On Friday, 12th August, 1927, the promptness and efficiency of our Lifeboat Service were brought home to us in a very forcible manner. We have often read and heard of the gallant deeds performed by our Life-boatmen and have perhaps subscribed to the funds, little thinking that we ourselves might one day need its aid. [As Sir William Hillary said in his appeal, " From the calamity of shipwreck no one can say that he may at all times remain free, and whilst he is now providing only for the safety of others, a day may come which will render the cause his own."] " On a rough and stormy night it is no wonder that the men should be on alert for the Life-boat call, but on a fine August day with a not-too-rough sea, who would expect a disaster ? So the rapidity with which the Life-boat came to our aid speaks well for the splendid organization.

" It was a beautiful day for sailing, a good stifi breeze and the sea just rough enough to make it exciting. We were racing along, heeled well over, when without warning a sudden gust caught us, and at the same moment an extra large wave hit us and submerged the sail, which was almost on the water.

Rapidly the yacht filled, and we felt ourselves slipping into the sea. The boat then turned upside down, and we were left to swim round it and hold on if possible, while large waves broke over us.

" It was not long before we heard the rocket go up from the shore, and we knew help would soon be at hand.

Although we were all fairly good swimmers, I doubt if we could have made the shore if no help had come. Anxiously we watched the far distant harbour for a sign of rescue, and in a very short time we saw the dark blue launch tearing towards us. Some other boats also set out, including the Southern Railway's steamer Freshwater, but it was the Life-boat that won the race.

" We were thrown life-belts, and eager hands helped us on board. Warmed without by oilskins borrowed from the Crew, and within by generous rations of rum, we were soon back at the pier, greeted by cheering crowds.

" Thanks to the Royal Life-boat Institute, thus ended what had been to us a really thrilling adventure, and not, as might so easily have been the case, a dismal tragedy.''.