St. Andrews.

In the middle of the night of March 8th the steam trawler Loch Long, of Aberdeen, went ashore in a heavy snow squall on the reef of rocks known as Balcomie Briggs. A gale was blowing; the sea was rough ; and the night very dark and bitterly cold. The Life-boat was got away at 2.30 on the morning of the 9th. The tide was not high enough to launch her in the harbour, and she was launched off the open beach, with very great difficulty, owing to the rough sea breaking. A party of over 200 people, including women, helped in the launch, many being above their waists in the sea.

The Life-boat reached the wreck shortly after 5.30, just as day broke.

The trawler had gone right in over the reef, and seas were breaking over her.

The Coxswain feared that, as the tide fell, she would capsize, so he decided, in spite of the great risk, to attempt a rescue at once. He anchored to windward and veered the Life-boat down to the wreck.

The trawler lay with rocks all round her, and the Life-boat was taken between and over them, with the seas breaking continually aboard her, and at times completely filling her. At one point she actually touched the rocks. In spite of these difficulties and dangers, she got near enough for a line to be thrown on board the trawler ; a breeches buoy was rigged, and one of the crew was hauled through the broken water intothe Life-boat. The remainder were unwilling to take this risk, and the Coxswain succeeded in getting the Lifeboat near enough for them to jump aboard her. There she lay for half an hour, until, one by one, the nine men had jumped down. Then the Life-boat was hauled clear of the rocks, and reached her station safely just after 8 o'clock. The Broughty Ferry Motor Life-boat and the Anstruther Life-boat were also called out, but their help was not needed.

For this fine service the Institution awarded its Bronze Medal to Coxswain D. Fenton, and extra monetary awards to him and each member of the Crew.

It also sent a Letter of Appreciation to all who took part in the launch..