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Services of the Life-Boats. Reported to the November, December and January Meetings of the Committee of Management

Reported to the November, December and January Meetings of the Committee of Management.

November Meeting.

North Sunderland, Northumberland.— At 9 A.M. on the 9th October the sea was making fast, and one of the fishing boats, the Kindly Light, had not returned from the fishing grounds.

The coastguard stations at Bamburgh, Holy Island and Sea Houses were warned and a look-out was kept.

Later the boat was seen approaching, and the pulling and sailing life-boat Lizzie Porter was launched at 12.40 P.M. A moderate and freshening S.S.E.

gale was blowing, with heavy sea races, and it was hazy. The Kindly Light was escorted safely through the dangerous entrance into harbour, and the life-boat arrived back at her station at 1.5 P.M.—Rewards, £18 7s.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Nor- folk.—At 9.16 P.M. on the 9th October the coastguard telephoned that a small motor fishing boat was in difficulties in Yarmouth Roads, about three-quarters of a mile S.E. from Britannia Pier. A moderate and increasing S. gale was blowing, with a heavy sea. The motor life-boat John and Mary Meiklam of Gladswood was launched at 9.33 P.M.

and went to the spot, but no light or signal could be seen. She used her searchlight and eventually found the boat, the Dido, of Yarmouth, with two men on board. Her engine had broken down and she was drifting, using her nets as a sea anchor. She was in great danger of being swamped on the sand- banks. A rope was passed to her and the life-boat began to tow her home.

The men decided to stay in her, as it was thought that if not steered she might sheer and founder. The life- boat towed very slowly, and although heavy seas were met just outside the harbour and on the bar, the Dido was brought successfully up the -river to safe moorings. The life-boat arrived back at her station at 11.10 P.M., but could not be rehoused until the llth October, owing to bad tides and sea in the harbour.—Rewards, £30 14s.

Piel (Barrow), Lancashire.—On the afternoon of the llth October the assistant motor mechanic reported to the coxswain that a man had put off in a small boat from the pilot boat to go ashore on Piel Island, but had been caught by a heavy squall, had lost control of the boat, and was being blown rapidly out to sea. A moderate to strong N.W. gale was blowing with a rough sea when the motor life-boat N.T. was launched at 3.5 P.M. She came up with the boat just as it was getting into rough water, and the man, exhausted and very wet, was rescued.

He was taken into the life-boat, and his boat was towed back to Piel. The life-boat arrived back at her station at 4.15 P.M.—Rewards, £7 15*. dd.

The Humber, Yorkshire.--At 6.15 A.M. on the 13th October the Spurn Royal Naval Signal Station told the coxswain that Holmpton coastguard had reported a steam trawler ashore at Dimlington. She was the Kirby. of Grimsby, bound home from the fishing grounds, with a crew of twelve. The motor life-boat City of Bradford II was launched at 6.30 A.M., but found it impossible to get near the Kirby at once, owing to the shallow water and the heavy ground sea breaking outside her. When the tide flowed the life- boat anchored and veered down through the broken water to the trawler. She then took out an anchor, which kept her from washing farther ashore.

Later a tug arrived with a representa- tive of the owners on board, and at his request the life-boat connected the tug to the trawler. With the assistance of the tug the Kirby was refloated, and the life-boat then returned to her station, arriving back at 3 P.M.—Property Salvage Case.

Angle, Pembrokeshire.—On the night of the 18th October the honorary secretary received word from West Angle and St. Ann's Head that rockets were being fired in Mill Bay. A moderate S.S.E. gale was blowing, with a rough sea, and visibility was poor.

The motor life-boat Elizabeth Elson was launched at 8.45 P.M. and found the motor trawler Foxhound, of Ostend, in a very dangerous position close to the rocks. The life-boat anchored and veered down and rescued the crew of four, landing them safely at Milford.

She returned to her station at midnight, but could not be rehoused for some time on account of the heavy weather.

Mr. A. W. Gutch, the branch honorary secretary, went with the life-boat.— Rewards, £17 4s. 6d.

Filey, Yorkshire. — Fifteen motor cobles went out fishing at 7 A.M. on the 27th October in fine weather. By 9.30 A.M. a storm was coming up and the sea was growing rough. At 10.5 A.M. conditions were so bad that the pulling and sailing life-boat Hollon the Third was launched. Three cobles which had broken down with engine trouble were towed in by other motor cobles and the life-boat stood by until all cobles were beached. She returned to her station at 12.15 P.M.

In the absence of the coxswain, the second coxswain and bowman, Tom Lewis, a member of the crew, took charge of the life-boat. During the service one of the crew was struck in the face by a block and had to receive medical attention on returning ashore.

—Rewards, £15 16s.

Scarborough, Yorkshire. — Several motor fishing boats and cobles put out early on the 2nd November, but were caught in a strong N.N.W. gale, with a very heavy sea. All except the motor fishing coble Our Maggie returned to harbour, and the motor life-boat Herbert Joy II was launched to look for her. She eventually found her about eight miles north-east of Scarborough, with a trawler standing by. The life- boat escorted her safely back to harbour, and returned to her station at 2 P.M.—Rewards, £20 3s.

The following life-boats were launched, but no services were rendered for the reasons given : Buckie, Banffshire. —• 27th Septem- ber. A drifter had stranded on Red Ware Rock, Portgordon, but refloated without help.—Rewards, £5 3*.

Cullercoats, Northumberland. — 2nd October. As a precautionary measure the life-boat put out to a coble which had been seen making the harbour in a strong wind and rough sea, but the coble got in safely.—Rewards, £22 7,?.

Appledore, Devon.—6th October. A sailing boat had appeared to be in difficulties. She was found empty and towed to Lundy Island.—Rewards, £14 16s. 3d.

Boulmer, Northumberland. — 9th October. A motor yacht with .two small boats in tow needed help, and before the life-boat arrived it was given by two boats from Amble.—Rewards, £20 7s.

The Humber, Yorkshire. — 14th October. A trawler had stranded in foggy weather, but refloated without help.—Permanent crew, Rewards, 18s.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Nor- folk.—19th October. A drifter had been driven ashore on the north beach, but her crew were rescued from the shore.—Rewards, £30 7s.

Hythe and Dungeness, Kent.—19th October. A Folkestone fishing boat had not returned when due and a search was made. Meanwhile she made port safely.—Rewards, Hythe, £27 15s. 6d. ; Dungeness, £33 7s. 6d.

Aberdeen.—21st October. Distress signals had been seen from a trawler, but another trawler took her in tow.— Rewards, £13 2s. 6d.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk.

—26th October. Signals had been heard at night during a gale, but nothing was found.—Rewards, £28 19s.

Runswick, Yorkshire.—28th October.

A steamer had wirelessed for help in a strong N.W. gale, with a very heavy sea, but*the life-boat failed to find her.

She was found and helped by the Whitby motor life-boat, which stood by and got her a tow.—Rewards to Runswick, £40 Os. 3d. (For a full account of the service see opposite page.) Swanage, Dorset.—1st November. A small yacht had been seen flying a distress signal, but she was picked up by a ketch.—Rewards, £8 10*.

Donaghadee, Co. Down.—4th Novem- ber. A report that an aeroplane had been seen to fall in the sea was received, but though the life-boat searched for a long time nothing was found.—Re- wards, £17 0*. 3d.

December Meeting.

Aberdeen.—The Norwegian steamer Granero, of Drammen, bound with a cargo of pit-props from Finland for South Alloa, ran ashore at Crawton, twenty miles south of Aberdeen, on the evening of the 23rd October. She carried a crew of eighteen. A moderate N.E. gale was blowing, the sea was rough, a fog had settled, and it was raining. The coastguard passed the news to the life-boat authorities, and the motor life-boat Emma Constance put out at 9.30 P.M. She reached the Granero at 11.30 P.M., but the captain did not wish to leave his ship, and she stood by. At 3 A.M. next day a signal was received from shore that only seven men were on board, the remainder having been landed by the life-saving apparatus. At 9.45 A.M. the steamer signalled for the life-boat to come alongside and five of the crew were taken on board, leaving only the master and the chief engineer on the steamer.

The rescued men were taken to Stone- haven, and after the crew of the life- boat had had some food she returned to the wreck. The two remaining men tried to leave in the ship's boat, but as they were unable to manage it, the life- boat went alongside, took the men on board and returned to Aberdeen with the boat in tow. The life-boat arrived back at her station at 4.15 P.M., having been on service for nearly nineteen hours. The vessel became a total wreck.—Rewards, £22 2s. 4d.

Whitby, Runswick, Redcar and Tees- mouth, Yorkshire.—On the afternoon of the 27th October the Italian steamer Comitas, of Genoa, left the Tees to go to Hartlepool for cargo. A strong north-westerly gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea, and snow showers, and she soon got into difficulties. She had run short of fuel, but refused help from tugs, and dropped anchor. The Redcar and Teesmouth life-boat crews were assembled at 2 P.M. in readiness to launch, but the life-boats were not then needed and both crews were dismissed at 5 P.M. Later the Comitas began to drag her anchors and at 12.20 A.M. on the 28th she wirelessed for help, giving her position as five miles east of Staithes. The Runswick motor life-boat Always Ready and the Whitby motor life-boat Margaret Harker Smith were launched at 12.50 A.M. The Runswick boat went to the position given and saw a vessel some distance off. After losing sight of her in a very heavy snow shower she found, when the snow cleared, that this was not the Comitas.

She then made a further unsuccessful search and returned to her station at 7.55 A.M. The Whitby life-boat made her way through extremely heavy seas and found the Comitas about four miles off Robin Hood's Bay. She had very little coal, her engines were stopped, and she was dragging her one remaining anchor before the gale. The life-boat stood by all night and by 7 A.M. they were about five miles off Scarborough.

At the master's request the life-boat put in there for towing help, and three trawlers put out and took the steamer in tow to Immingham. After the life- boat crew had made a change of cloth- ing and had had a meal at Scarborough, the life-boat made for home. The wind had changed to N.E. and the boat had to drive through the heavy seas and the gale. Thousands of people watched her come into harbour at 3 P.M. and gave the crew a great reception. The life-boat had been out altogether for over fourteen hours.—Rewards, Red- car, £1 16,5.; Teesmo th, £2 12s. ; Whitby, £28 12s. 6d. (For Runswick rewards see opposite page.) Filey, Yorkshire.—The local fishing cobles put to sea on the morning of the 2nd November, but bad weather got up and by 7.15 A.M. all of them, except the Dorotkyand the Sunbeam, had returned.

At 9.30 A.M. a strong N.W. gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea, and the pulling and sailing life-boat Hollon the Third was launched to the help of the two cobles, which were then three miles north of Carr Naze. The Dorothy reached safety without help, but the life-boat escorted the Sunbeam home, and returned to her station at 11.15 A.M.

—Rewards, £15 11s. Qd.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk.

—On the morning of the 14th Novem- ber the coastguard telephoned to the coxswain that the steam trawler Georgette, of Grimsby, was ashore on Outer Bank, about three miles north of Winterton. She was bound home from the fishing grounds with a crew of nine. The motor life-boat John and Mary Meiklam of Gladswood was launched at 9 A.M. A light S.W. wind was blowing, with a moderate swell, and visibility was poor owing to fog. The life-boat went alongside the Georgette and, at the master's request, stood by until the tide, which was then at half ebb, flowed. Two tugs arrived later and at 5.15 P.M. one of them towed the Georgette off. The fog was then very dense, but as her master said that he did not need any more help, the life- boat returned to her station. She arrived back there at 7.30 P.M.— Rewards, £40 18*.

Bridlington, Yorkshire.—At 4 A.M. on the 15th November several fishing boats were at sea. The wind was blowing fresh from the S.E., the sea was making, and several of the boats were running for shelter. The life-boat crew stood by until, at seven o'clock, the motor life- boat Stanhope Smart was launched to the help of the boats still at sea. A strong S.E. gale was then blowing, with a heavy sea, and it was raining. The life-boat went off in a south-easterly direction, and after pouring oil on the water to lessen the effect of the waves, escorted into safety the fishing boats Boy's Own, Excelsior, Irene, Premier II and Victory. She returned to her station at 11.30 A.M.—Re vards, £9 18*.

Filey and Flamborough, Yorkshire.— Two fishing cobles put to sea from Filey at 4 A.M. on the 15th November, but became separated in the darkness. One of them returned at 9.30 A.M. and re- ported that the other, the Heather, carrying a crew of three, had not been seen for some time. A S.E. gale was then blowing, with a very heavy sea, and it was decided to send the pulling and sailing life-boat Hollon the Third to look for her. She was launched at 10 A.M.

The news was passed to Flamborough, and the pulling and sailing life-boat Forester was also launched at 10.30 A.M. to help in the search. The Filey life-boat found the Heather under Bempton Cliffs. Life-belts were passed to her crew and both boats made for home. After a little while the Heather was hit by a big sea which stopped her engine, and then one of her oars was broken, leaving her helpless and in great danger. The life-boat went alongside, took off two of the crew, and towed her safely back to Filey, return- ing to her station at 12.45 P.M. But for this help the Heather and her erew would have been lost. The Flam- borough life-boat had made a long search, and returned to her station at 3 P.M., when it was learned that the Heather was in safety.—Rewards, Filey, £16 105. Qd. (For the Flamborough rewards see page 214.) Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford.—The Wexford harbour master informed the life-boat authorities on the evening of the 15th November that the four- masted motor vessel Svanen, of Copen- hagen, was aground on Wexford Bar.

She had a crew of eight on board, and a pilot, and was bound for Wexford from Riga, with timber. A watch was kept all night, as the weather was very bad. On the morning of the 16th a whole gale from the E.N.E. was blow- ing, and as signals, if any, could not be seen owing to thick, heavy rain, it was decided to send out the motor life-boat K.E.C.F. She left at 10.35 A.M., with the branch secretary, Mr. W. J. B.

Moncas, on board. It was nearly low water when the life-boat reached the vessel shortly before noon. As the tide rose the vessel began to labour very heavily. By two o'clock it was hardly possible to stand on her deck, owing to the seas breaking over her. At three o'clock the life-boat had to stand off, as the vessel's cable parted, and she swung round. It then looked as if her masts would fall, and as there was two feet of water in the hold, and it was gaining, the crew of the Svanen and the pilot were rescued by the life- boat, which reached her station again at 5.30 P.M. The vessel became a total wreck. This was an arduous service, well carried out in very difficult cir- cumstances. — Permanent crew, Re- wards, £1 Ss. 6d.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk.

—At 6.45 P.M. on the 16th November, the motor life-boat John and MaryMeik- lam of Gladswood put out in response to signals from the Cockle light-vessel. A strong N.E. breeze was blowing with a very heavy sea on the sands. The steam drifter Highland Leader, of In- verness, homeward bound after herring fishing from Yarmouth, was in distress, burning flares continuously. Thinking she was in a sinking condition, the coxswain took a direct course, crossing over the north part of the Scroby Sands in a very heavy sea. The life- boat found the drifter with her anchor down, but driving towards the sands.

Her skipper asked for a tow, as he had boiler trouble. The life-boat could not give this help, but stood by while a tug took the drifter in tow. She then accompanied them to the Yarmouth Roads, and returned to her station at 11.25 P.M.—Rewards, £28 19*.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk.

—On the night of the 17th November the coastguard reported that a vessel in the roadstead, abreast the town, was burning flares. The Cockle and St.

Nicholas light-vessels also fired signals.

A strong N.E. by E. breeze was blowing, with a heavy sea and squalls of rain.

The motor life-boat John and Mary Meiklam of Gladswood was launched at 10.53 P.M., and found the barge Maggie, of London, at anchor, but dragging towards the beach. Her crew of three did not wish to leave her, but asked for a tug. The life-boat stood by until a tug arrived. A hawser was got aboard the barge with great difficulty, and the tug towed her into harbour. The life- boat accompanied them in and arrived back at her station at 1.5 A.M.—Re- wards, £28 195.

Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.—On the evening of the 19th November the steam drifter Flower o' May, of Banff, made to enter the harbour. She was returning from the English fishing grounds, and, being short of coal, had been towed about fifty miles before being cast off about two miles from Fraserburgh. A S.E. gale was blowing, with a very rough sea, rain and fog.

The drifter got into serious difficulties and made distress signals. Her signals were seen and the motor life-boat Lady Rothes was launched at 7.40 P.M. She found her about two miles N.E. of the Balaclava light. She had no fuel left, and her pumps were being worked, for she had shipped a lot of water and was in danger of sinking. Four of her crew of ten got into the life-boat, and then, as the rest did not want to abandon the ship, the coxswain asked a near-by trawler to tow the drifter in to Macduff.

The trawler master agreed, provided the life-boat accompanied them. A tow- rope was passed from the drifter to the trawler, which made for Macduff, escorted by the life-boat. They arrived at 4.20 A.M., and the life-boat crew, after getting some breakfast, left for home, which was reached at 10.45 A.M.

The life-boat had been out altogether for over fifteen hours and had un- doubtedly helped to save the drifter and her crew from destruction.—Re- wards, £24 10s.

Longhope and Stromness, Orkneys.—On the evening of the 19th November the Icelandic steam trawler Geysir, of Reykjavik, was in the Pentland Firth, homeward bound from Grimsby. She carried a crew of sixteen and two passengers, one of whom was a girl.

A moderate S.E. gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea and rain squalls. A flood tide was running, and under its influence the Geysir ran ashore at Torness Point. She sent up flares, but she had already been seen from shore, and the Long- hope motor life-boat Thomas McCunn was launched at 9 P.M. At considerable risk, owing to the surrounding rocks, she went alongside the trawler, and succeeded in rescuing the eighteen on board. Great care had to be taken, as the life-boat was rising and falling heavily with the seas. The rescued were taken to Longhope, and the life- boat arrived back at her station at 11.40 P.M. She could not be rehoused immediately, on account of bad weather.

The crew of the Stromness motor life- boat had been assembled, but their help was not needed.—Rewards, Long- hope, £16 13s. 6d. ; Stromness, £l 7s.

Cromer, Norfolk.—The motor life- boat H. F. Bailey was launched at 8 P.M. on the 20th November, as the Cromer coastguard had reported that a vessel had run ashore at East Runton, and was burning distress signals. A moderate S.E. breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea, and the weather was thick. The life-boat found that the vessel was the motor barge Goldcrown, of London, bound, with a crew of three and a cargo of coal, from Goole to Norwich. The master did not wish to abandon ship, but asked the coxswain to send for a tug and.to stand by. The tug arrived at 3 A.M., and at 7.30 A.M., the water having deepened sufficiently, the life-boat passed a hawser from the barge to her. The wind was then blow- ing from the east, and the sea was breaking heavily on the barge's broad- side. The tug tried to tow her off, but failed, and at 10 A.M. the hawser was cast off. As the barge was not in danger, the life-boat returned to her station, arriving there at 10.15 A.M.

She had been on service for over four- teen hours.—Property Salvage Case.

Margate, Kent.—Early on the morn- ing of the 24th November the coast- guard told the coxswain that they had under observation a small vessel which was drifting towards the shore in Walpole Bay, east of Margate. The coxswain went on to the cliffs and saw that the vessel could not avoid going ashore. The motor life-boat Lord Southborough (Civil Service No. 1) was launched at 5.15 A.M. in a moderate N.N.W. gale, with a heavy sea. She found the barge Thyra, which was bound, with a crew of two and a cargo of sand, for Maidstone. She had run ashore, and the seas were breaking over her. The life-boat anchored and veered down. Although she hit the rocks she succeeded in rescuing the two men. They were landed at Margate pier, and the life-boat returned to her station at 6.10 A.M.—Rewards, £12 17*. 6d.

Scarborough, Yorkshire.—Several fish- ing boats and cobles put out early on the morning of the 24th November, but a strong sea got up and they all returned, except two boats and a coble.

The life-boat crew stood by all the morning and at 1 P.M. the two boats returned. By this time the sea had got worse, and the motor life-boat Herbert, Joy II was launched at 1.40 P.M. to search for the coble. A strong N.E.

breeze was blowing, and it was raining.

The life-boat found the coble, the B. S. Colling, about two miles off in a north-easterly direction. While the life-boat was escorting her back to harbour the coble shipped a heavy sea.

and her crew had to man the pumps all the way home. The life-boat arrived back at her station at 2.15 P.M.—Re- wards, £20 8s. 6d.

Piel (Barrow), Lancashire.—Just before midnight on the 28th November-the coastguard reported that the fishing boat Nellie Crane, of Barrow-in-Furness, had left Barrow at 11 A.M. on a fishing cruise, and had not since been heard of.

There were three men on board whose relatives were anxious for their safety.

The motor life-boat N.T. was sent out to make a search, being launched at 2 A.M. on the 29th. A strong S. breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea, and the weather was thick. She went as far north as Haverigg, and into Have- rigg Bight, but could find no trace of the vessel. After an exhaustive search she returned to Piel, arriving at 9 A.M.

At 11.30 A.M. she was launched again, and eventually found the Nellie Crane four or five miles from Walney Point.

She was trying to get home from Hey- sham, where she had sheltered over- night. The men on board did not know where they were, and were very glad to see the life-boat. The life-boat towed the Nellie Crane safely back to Piel, and returned to her station again at 3.30 P.M.—Rewards, £22 9*. 6d.

Portrush, Co. Antrim.—At 10.15 A.M.

on the 1st December the coastguard at Ballycastle reported that the s.s. Apine, of Glasgow, a collier, bound empty from Londonderry to Glasgow, was dragging her anchors and drifting towards the reefs at Carrickvarnon Head. A whole S.E. gale was blowing, with a rough sea, and it was raining.

The motor life-boat T.B.B.II. was launched at 10.30 A.M., found the steamer between Bengore Head and Sheep Island, and escorted her into Portrush. The life-boat arrived back at her station at 1 P.M. The district organizing secretary, who was at Port- rush, went out in the life-boat.— Rewards, £7 6*. 6d.

Gourdon, Kincardineshire.—Two local motor fishing boats, Mizpah and Norse- man, put to sea early on the morning of 1 st December. Later a strong southerly breeze sprang up, reaching gale force in squalls, and a rough sea, with broken water, was running across the harbour mouth. This made entry into harbour very dangerous, and it was thought advisable to send out the pulling and sailing life-boat Moss to see the boats safely home. She was launched at 11 A.M., and going to the harbour mouth, stood by while the Mizpah got safely in. She waited for some time for the other boat, but returned to her station when it was learned that she had made for Stonehaven. The life-boat reached her station at 12.20 P.M.—Rewards, £17 195. 6d.

Bembridge, Isle of Wight.—On the 3rd December the Foreland coastguards telephoned to the honorary secretary that they were watching a steamer which was trying to tow a smaller motor vessel into Spithead. The tow- rope had parted twice. Later they tele- phoned again, saying that the motor vessel had parted from the steamer once more, and was showing signals of distress. A gale was blowing from the east and a heavy sea was running. The motor life-boat Langham put out, and found that the motor vessel was the Heather Pet, of King's Lynn. She had a cargo of cement on board, and carried a crew of seven. The life-boat stood by while the steamer again took her in tow, and then escorted both vessels to Southampton Water, where the Heather Pet dropped anchor. As the life-boat could not be rehoused, owing to the heavy sea, she put into Cowes, arriving there at 9.15 P.M.—Rewards, £24 3s.

Poole and Bournemouth, Dorset.—At 5.15 P.M. on the 5th December a pilot boat with three men on board put out in response to what was thought to be a signal for a pilot. The weather was very thick, with a moderate easterly breeze. The three men found a yacht, the Glen Cora, of Southampton, ashore on the seaward end of the training bank outside Poole harbour, with a heavy sea breaking round her. They made several unsuccessful attempts to get to the yacht and their boat was nearly swamped. They then returned to the pilot station and informed the coast- guard and the life-boat station. The pulling and sailing life-boat Harmar was launched at 6.35 P.M., and after being launched took on board the coxswain, who was out fishing when he heard the assembly signal. At the same tune a motor boat put out with three men on board, met the pilot boat, and was advised by the pilots to meet the life-boat and give her a tow. This the motor boat did near North Haven Point. The life-boat, with this help, reached the yacht at about 7.15 P.M.

The crew of two were found clinging to the rigging, the hull of the yacht being submerged, and were rescued with considerable difficulty, owing to their exhausted condition and the heavy seas on the sandbank. Stimulants were given to them and the life-boat was towed back to her station. Mr. C. E. D.

Law, the owner of the yacht, showed his gratitude by becoming an annual subscriber, in addition to making a donation to the branch and a gift to the life-boat crew.—Rewards to life- boat crew, £31 7s. (Other rewards on page 226.) Lowestoft, Suffolk.—On the morning of the 7th December the Lowestoft sailing trawler W.E.H. ran ashore on a sandbank formed at the North Pier extension, while returning from the fishing grounds. A whole E.N.E. gale was blowing and heavy seas broke over the trawler. The motor life-boat Agnes Cross put out at 6.7 A.M., dropped anchor, and veered down to the trawler.

Then a line was got on board and the life-boat manoeuvred under her stern, where her crew of five were clinging for their lives. Just then heavy seas washed the life-boat away from her, and knocked the trawler herself off the sandbank. She was leaking badly, but drifted along the bank, and eventually into harbour. The life-boat kept alongside until she was safe, and then returned to her station, arriving back at 7 A.M.—Rewards, £27 11s. 6d.

A few minutes later the coastguard telephoned that three motor fishing boats were in difficulties, and the life- boat put out for the second time at 7.6 A.M. She found the local motor fishing boat Marjorie about three and a half miles south of the harbour. A whole E.N.E. gale was blowing, and the Marjorie was shipping some heavy seas. The life-boat got-on her weather side and escorted her safely over the sands and the dangerous harbour bar.

She reached her station again at 8 A.M.

—Rewards, £20 18s. 6d.

Filey, Yorkshire.—Twelve local fish- ing cobles put out early on the morning of the 7th December, in fair weather.

At 9.45 A.M. a strong east breeze was blowing, a heavy sea was running, and it was raining. Three cobles were seen making for home, so the pulling and sailing life-boat Hollon the Third was launched, and escorted them all into safety. The life-boat returned to her station at 12.45 P.M.—Rewards, £15 11s. 6d.

The following life-boats were launched, but no services were rendered for the reasons given : Wells, Norfolk.—2nd November. A motor vessel grounded, but refloated on the rising tide.—Rewards, £21 10s. 6d.

Flamborough No. 1, Yorkshire.—15th November. A Filey fishing coble was missing, but she was found by the Filey life-boat.—Rewards, £18 11s. (An account of the Filey service appears on page 210.) Ballycotton, Co. Cork.—16th Novem- ber. A large flash was seen, followed by a loud explosion, but nothing to explain the incident could be found.— Rewards, £13 11s. 6d.

St. David's, Pembrokeshire.—17th November. A steamer had lost her propeller, but she was taken in tow by a trawler.—Rewards, £18 14s.

Maryport, Cumberland.—17th Nov- ember. Three men were in difficulties in a small boat, but they managed to beach her.—Rewards, £21 8s. 6d.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk.

—20th November. Two drifters had been in collision, but one was able to tow the other to safety.—Rewards, £11 16s.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk.—22nd Novem- ber. A steamer had grounded on the Outer Gabbard Sand, but refloated and went on her way.—Rewards, £28 8s.

Dungeness, Kent.—23rd November.

A steamer stranded, but was in no immediate danger and refloated un- aided.—Rewards, £24 8s.

Aranmore, Co. Donegal.—23rd Nov- ember. Two fishing boats had run on the rocks in a fog, but were helped off by other boats.—Rewards, £16 14s.

Ciogher Head, Co. Loutn.—29th Nov- ember. It was reported that a rowing boat had been seen in difficulties, but nothing could be found.—Rewards, £17 3s.

Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire. — 30th November. Distress flares had been reported, but nothing was found.—• Rewards, £15 9s.

Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire. — 3rd December. A drifter had been seen to sink and her crew take to the ship's boat. Another drifter belonging to the same port picked them up.—Rewards, £7 16s. 6d.

Kessingland, Suffolk.—7th December.

Several fishing boats had been caught in a storm. All were beached safely, except one which was driven ashore, and her crew were rescued by on shore.—Rewards, £23 5s.

January Meeting.

St. Mary's, Scillies.—On the 28th November the schooner Mynonie R.

Kirby, of London, was in distress and the motor life-boat rescued the crew of six.—Rewards, bronze medal, thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum, framed letters of thanks and £1915s. 6d.

(For a full account of this service see page 203.) Montrose, Angus.—On the night of the 4th December the steamer Con- stance, of Leith, ran ashore on the north side of the entrance to the River Southesk. She was bound, with a crew of five and a cargo of coal, from Methil to Montrose. Scurdyness lighthouse gave the alarm, and the motor life-boat John Russell was launched at 9 P.M.

A moderate E.S.E. gale was blowing, with a heavy sea. The tide was low.

The steamer was on a sandbank and the water round her very shallow. In the heavy sea which was running there would have been great risk of the motor life-boat striking the sands if she attempted to get alongside the steamer.

The coxswain communicated with the crew of the Constance, and as they replied that they were in no immediate danger, he decided to return and take out the surf life-boat. This he did at 10.10 P.M. She managed to get along- side the Constance and found that the crew had taken shelter on the bridge.

With some difficulty they were all taken into the life-boat, although one man fell into the water between the steamer and the life-boat and narrowly missed being crushed before he was pulled on board. While rescuing the crew the life-boat was struck by a heavy sea and thrown against the steamer and damaged, but she reached her station safely at 10.55 P.M. The committee of management sent a letter to the branch commending all con- cerned on the way in which the service was performed.—Rewards, £42 8s. 6d.

Scarborough, Yorkshire.—Several local motor fishing boats, and one motor coble, went out fishing early on the morning of the 7th December. Later a strong E.S.E. breeze sprang up, the sea became rough, and it was raining.

At noon the conditions were getting worse and it was decided to launch the motor life-boat Herbert Joy II in case her help should be wanted. She went about a mile in a north-easterly direction and fell in with the Mizpah, which she escorted into harbour. She then made four more trips in the same direction and accompanied in the B. S. Colling, Fife's Own, Our Maggie and Albatross, She arrived back at her station at 3 P.M.—Rewards, £20 3s.

Cromer, Norfolk.—On the 13th Decem- ber the barge Sepoy, of Dover, was wrecked off Cromer. Both the Cromer life-boats went to her help and the motor life-boat rescued the crew of two.

—Rewards to the crew of the motor life-boat, bar to silver medal, thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum and £155 18s. 4d., and to the crew of the pullin* and sailing life-boat, thanks of the Institut.on inscribed on vellum and £64 3s. (For a full account of this service see page 19T.) Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk.

—On the 13th December the motor life-boat went out to warn the Cromer motor life-boat, which was out on another service, to return to Cromer to the help of the barge Sepoy.— Rewards, £14 13*. (For a full account of this launch see page 198.) Bridlington, Yorkshire.—The motor life-boat went out to stand by fishing boats returning to harbour.—Rewards, £9 18s. (See page 210.) The Humber, Yorkshire.—On the even- ing of the 15th December the steam trawler Thanet, of Hull, was seen to run aground on the Inner Binks sands.

She carried a crew of nine, and was returning home from the fishing grounds. The motor life-boat City of Bradford II was launched at 7.45 P.M., in a light E. wind, with a moderate sea, and found her lying in a very awkward position. She ran out the trawler's anchor, and returned ashore to report to her owners. Then, at their request, she went back to the trawler and stood by her until she refloated at 12.20 A.M.

on the 16th. She had not been dam- aged, and went on her way. The life- boat arrived back at her station at 1 A.M.—Property Salvage Case.

Mumbles, Glamorganshire, and Tenby , Pembrokeshire.—Some time after mid- night on the 18th-19th December the steamer Ben Blanche, of Ramsey, ran on the rocks to the west of Port Eynon Head. She was bqund from Dundoon, in Northern Ireland, to Swansea, with a cargo of potatoes-, and carried a crew of seven. A light S.E.

wind was blowing and the sea was smooth, but the weather was very cold and a fog had settled. The steamer began to founder, and her crew, after making distress signals, took to the two ship's boats. The coastguard passed news of the wreck to the life-boat stations at the Mumbles and Tenby.

The motor life-boat at the Mumbles, Edward Prince of Wales, was launched at 2.15 A.M. Three hours later she found the boats. The men were rescued and taken to Swansea, together with their boats. The life-boat arrived back at her station at 9 A.M. The crew of the Tenby motor life-boat John R.

Webb assembled, but the life-boat was not launched.—Rewards, Mumbles, £18 12s.; Tenby, £2 4s.

Torbay, Devon.—At 11.50 P.M. on the 17th December the Dartmouth coastguards reported that a steamer was ashore on Slapton Sands, in Start Bay.

A strong N.E. breeze was blowing, with a heavy sea, and visibility was poor.

The motor life-boat George Shee was launched at 12.15 A.M. on the 18th.

When she reached the steamer, which was the s.s. Charles Jose, of Antwerp, with eleven persons on board, she found that the Torcross life-saving apparatus company had got a line on board. The coxswain manoeuvred the life-boat alongside the steamer and hailed her, but the crew did not wish to leave in the life-boat. The captain's wife and the mate had already been hauled ashore by the life-saving appar- atus, and the remainder of the crew, excepting the captain, managed to get ashore in the ship's boat, although it was nearly capsized by the breakers, and was eventually stove in. The coastguard signalled to the coxswain that the captain was still on board, and the life-boat stood by all night. It was found in the morning that the captain did not need any help, and the George Shee returned to her station, arriving there at 9.30 A.M.—Rewards, £21 2s. Qd.

Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford.—The auxiliary schooner Cymric, of Dublin, grounded on Wexford bar on the 24th December, while bound, with a cargo of grain and a crew of six, from Wexford to Dublin. She remained fast. On the 28th a whole E. by N. gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea, and rain, and though no distress signals could be seen, the motor life-boat K.E.C.F. was launched at 9.55 A.M. She found that the Cymric had a heavy list, and the seas were breaking over her. Her skipper said that he did not wish to abandon ship then, but that he would show signals if he required the life-boat again. One of the crew was taken into the life-boat, which then made for home.

When she got clear of the bar it was seen that the auxiliary schooner Svanen, of Copenhagen, was showing distress signals. The Svanen had run aground on November 16th and her crew of nine had been rescued by the life-boat.

The life-boat anchored, and with great difficulty veered alongside. She found that the skipper and a salvage crew of eight were on board. They had very little food or water, and were exhausted after continual pumping. The skipper would not leave his ship, but the life- boat took off the eight men of the crew.

In doing so she struck the ground several times. She took the men to Wexford and arrived back at- her station at 5.15 P.M., having been on service for over seven hours in excep- tionally bad weather. The Svanen later became a total wreck.—Per- manent crew, Rewards, £l 15s. Sd.

Scarborough, Yorkshire.—The motor life-boat Herbert Joy II was launched at 9.10 A.M. on the 29th December, as the sea was very rough, the weather was thick, and several fishing cobles were at sea. She went to the back of the pier and fell in with the Bertha May, which had the life-boat motor mechanic on board. She had been waiting for the life-boat before she tried to enter the harbour. Life-belts were handed to her crew and she was escorted into harbour. The motor mechanic was then transferred to the life-boat. The life-boat put out again and cruised round, but as no more cobles could be seen approaching, she returned home for the crew to get dry clothes. Later three cobles, the Reliance II, Eagle and Kingfisher, were seen making for home, and she put off and escorted them in.

Then she once again cruised round until the last coble, the B. S. Colling, was sighted, and accompanied her safely home. The life-boat arrived back at her station at 3.15 P.M.—Rewards, £25 Is. 6d.

Runswick, Yorkshire.—Early on the morning of the 29th December the Staithes fishing cobles put out to the fishing grounds. The wind was light, but a strong easterly sea was running.

Later on the weather got very thick, and the sea got very much worse. The cobles were about seven miles off shore, and it was thought advisable to send out a life-boat. As the Staithes life-boat crew were all at sea, the Runswick motor life-boat Always Ready was launched at 9.15 A.M. She escorted the cobles safely into harbour, and arrived back at her station at 3 P.M.—• Rewards, £15 4?.

Flamborough, Yorkshire. — On the morning of the 29th December, as the local motor fishing coble Britannia was at sea, and a very heavy ground swell was breaking across the mouth of the haven, making entry difficult and dangerous, it was decided to send out the pulling and sailing life-boat Forester in case her help was wanted. She was launched at 10.45 A.M., met the coble outside the haven, and escorted her through very heavy breakers to safety.

She arrived back at her station at noon.—Rewards, £16 15s.

Whitby, Yorkshire.—At 11.30 A.M. on the 29th December the local motor fishing boats Success, Venus, Pilot Me and Galilee were expected home. A moderate easterly breeze was blowing, with rain showers and fog, and a strong sea, coming with the flood tide, was breaking heavily at the harbour entrance. The motor life-boat Margaret Harker Smith was launched at 11.50 A.M. and put out to sea as far as the Rock buoy. Each boat as she made for harbour was met and escorted in, and the life-boat arrived back at her station at 1.20 P.M.—Rewards, £8 5s. 6d.

New Brighton, Cheshire.—The motor life-boat William and Kate Johnston put out at 4.54 A.M. on the 3rd January, as the Hoylake coastguard had tele- phoned that the steamer Landes, of Liverpool, was ashore on the revetment, with a heavy list, and wanted immedi- ate help. The Landes carried a crew of twenty-six, and was bound for Manchester with a cargo of fruit. A moderate southerly breeze was blowing at the time, and the sea was smooth, but it was very foggy. The life-boat took off twenty men, but with the rising tide the Landes refloated, and when it was seen that she was not greatly damaged the men were returned to her, except one man, who had injured an arm. He was taken ashore by the life- boat, which returned to her station at 9.10 A.M.—Rewards, £10 4s. 6d.

The following life-boats were launched, but no services were rendered for the reasons given : Fishguard, Pembrokeshire.'—2nd De- cember. A steamer was reported to be sinking, but another steamer took off the crew.—Rewards, £10 16s.

Cromer, Norfolk.—7th December. A ketch was driven ashore, but her crew of two managed to scramble to safety.— Rewards, £32 14s. lOd.

North Sunderland, Northumberland.— 7th December. A lighter had broken adrift, but was picked up by her tug.— Rewards, £18 7s.

Bridlington, Yorkshire.—12th Decem- ber. During a dense fog a vessel was heard signalling for help, but nothing could be found.—Rewards, £9 18s.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk.—13th December.

A steamer was seen in distress, but sank before help could reach her.—Rewards, £55 15s. 4d. (See page 201.) Blakeney and Sheringham, Norfolk.— 13th December. A barge was in diffi- culties, but managed to reach safety without help.—Rewards, Blakeney, £26 17s. 6d.; Sheringham, £78 15s. 9d.

(See page 201.) Margate, Kent.—18th December. A barge had gone ashore, but must have refloated, as she could not be found.— Rewards, £17 Is.

Brancaster, Norfolk.—20th December.

A fishing boat was overdue, but made port while the life-boat was searching in a thick fog.—Rewards, £36 6s. lOd.

The Humber, Yorkshire.—21st Decem- ber. A vessel ran ashore in a dense fog, but got off and went on her way.— Permanent crew, Rewards, £1 7s.

Clacton-on-Sea and Walton and Frinton, Essex.—21st December. Two steamers had been in collision, but did not need help.—Rewards, Clacton, £19 5s. 3d; Walton, £26 15s. 6d.

Newbiggin, Northumberland.—24th De- cember. A steamer stranded, but did not need help.—Rewards, £30 13s. 6d.

Holy Island, Northumberland.—28th December. A fishing boat was in difficulties, but reached safety without help from the life-boat.—Rewards, £8 14s. Qd..