At 2.30 P.M. on the 29th September the coastguard tele- phoned that a small boat was in trouble off The Foreland. A little later another message was received that the boat had been taken in tow, but that a motor boat in Minnis Bay was in dis- tress. A whole N.W. gale was blowing, with a heavy sea and rain. The motor life-boat Lord Southborough, Civil Ser- vice No. I was launched at 2.40 P.M., and found the motor boat Sceptre, of Birchington, with five men on board.

The Sceptre was full of water, and foundered immediately after the men had been rescued. While the life-boat was on her way back to Margate the local motor boat Betty II, with two men on board, was seen to be in distress. Her engine had failed and she was drifting towards the rocks.

A pilot boat had put off to help, but had been unable to get near her. The life-boat managed to get to her and rescued the two men. The motor boat itself drifted on to the rocks.

The life-boat got back to harbour at about 4 P.M., and landed the rescued men. Almost immediately she put out again to the help of a small boat reported to be in danger, but was recalled, shortly afterwards as the boat had reached safety. A donation was made to the Institution in gratitude for the help given to the Sceptre.—Rewards, £16 10s..