Launches 103. Lives rescued 130.

November Meeting.

Bembridge, Isle of Wight.—On the evening of the 1st October a message was received from Horse Sand Fort that a vessel was stranded about two hundred yards north of Southsea Castle.

A strong N.W. breeze was blowing, with a rough sea. The motor life-boat Langham put out at 8.15 P.M. and found the sailing vessel Wander Bird, of San Francisco, stranded broadside on the beach. With the life-boat's help the Wander Bird was refloated on the flood tide. The life-boat then helped her into Portsmouth harbour, and returned to her station at 1.45 A.M.

The owner sent a letter of thanks.— Rewards, £15 10*. 6d.

Bridlington, Yorkshire. — On the evening of the 9th October the steam drifter Excellent, of Buckie, bound to Yarmouth, with a crew of eleven, stranded outside the piers. A moderate S.S.E. gale was blowing, with a rough sea and heavy rain. The drifter began to bump heavily, and appeared to be in danger of becoming a wreck. She made signals for help and the motor life-boat Stanhope Smart was launched from the South Beach at 7.25 P.M.

The motor coble Excelsior, with a crew of four, and a pulling boat, with a crew of five, also put out to help. The Board of Trade life-saving rocket ap- paratus was also ready. Ropes were eventually made fast between the Excellent and the piers, and she was hove into the harbour, the crowds on the piers helping to haul on the ropes, the life-boat standing by as she came in. The drifter was badly damaged.

Considerable risk was run by the men in the pulling boat, and some by the men in the coble, which was damaged.

The service lasted about three hours.— Rewards: Life-boat, £23 5s.; the Excelsior and the pulling boat, £10 7s. 6d.; the Excelsior, to repair damage, £2, and 5s. for fuel used.

Ramsgate, Kent.—On the 10th Octo- ber the crew of six of the barge British Oak, of Rochester, were rescued by the motor life-boat Prudential.—Rewards, Thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum and framed, together with mone- tary rewards amounting to £8 Is. Gd.

(For a full account of this service see page 10). Cloughey, Co. Down.—On the 10th October the coastguard at Ballyquinton reported that a small fishing boat, of Portaferry, with one man on board, was in immediate danger inside the bar at Ballyquinton Point. A strong W.N.W.

gale was blowing, with a heavy sea and rain. The motor life-boat William Maynard was launched at 2.50 P.M.

She found the small boat with an anchor down, but in danger of being blown out to sea. The man was exhausted. He was rescued and taken to Portaferry, and the life-boat returned to her station at 8 P.M. Owing to the condi- tion of the sea, she could not be rehoused until 12.45 A.M. on the llth.—Rewards, £30 2s. 6d.

Montrose, Angus. — Early on the morning of the 12th October the motor yacht Bunts, bound from Scapa for London, with a crew of three, broke down about eight miles S.S.E. of Scurdy- ness. She had no sails on board and was helpless. A strong W.S.W. breeze was blowing, with a rough sea. The yacht's signals of distress were seen, and the No. 1 motor life-boat John Russell was launched at 2.35 A.M. She found the yacht in thirty fathoms of water, drifting to leeward and all the time getting into heavier seas. She had started to ship water, and was in a dangerous position. The life-boat passed her a line and towed her into Montrose harbour. But for this help the yacht and her crew would almost certainly have been lost. The life-boat returned to her station at 5.45 A.M.— Rewards, £19 Is. 6d.

The Humber, Yorkshire. — On the evening of the 12th October a message was received from a contractor that one of his men, who was working on the Bull Fort, in the River Humber, had been taken seriously ill, and that it was necessary to get him to Grimsby as soon as possible. The motor life-boat City of Bradford II was launched at 6.45 P.M., took the man from the fort to Grimsby, where an ambulance was waiting, and returned to her station at 8 P.M. The contractor made a donation to the Institution, and another to the life-boat's crew.—Permanent crew; Rewards, 18s.

Fleetwood, Lancashire.—On the night of the 15th October the fishing boat NoSl, of Lancaster, bound with a crew of five for Fleetwood, got into diffi- culties in heavy weather. A strong S.W. breeze was blowing,, with a rough and confused sea. The NoBl got out of control, and after drifting up the Pilling Sands for a mile, ran ashore on the east side of Wyre Channel. She sent up distress rockets and flares, and the motor life-boat Frederick H. Pilley was launched to her help at 11.15 P.M.

The life-boat found her being swept fore and aft by heavy seas, and in great danger. With some difficulty she res- cued the crew, and returned to her station at midnight, but on account of the bad conditions, could not be rehoused until 8 A.M. on the 16th. A donation was received in appreciation of the life-boat's help. — Rewards, £17 1*. 6d.

Salcombe, Devon. — On the 15th October the flying-boat £.1229, from Calshot, made a forced descent off Start Point, owing to damage to her propeller and rudder. A strong S.W.

breeze was blowing, with a rough sea and rain. The Hope Cove coastguard telephoned to the life-boat station, and the motor life-boat Alfred and Clara Heath was launched at 1.45 P.M. She found the flying-boat at anchor in a dangerous position and towed her and her crew of six into Dartmouth, a distance of about ten miles. She returned to her station at 9 P.M. The Air Marshal commanding the Coastal Area sent his thanks for the " timely and invaluable assistance " given.— Rewards, £22 12s.

Stornoway, Island of Lewis.—On the afternoon of the 17th October Lloyd's agent reported to the life-boat station that the s.s. Albionic, of Hull, bound from Murmansk for Sharpness with a cargo of timber, was anchored in Broad Bay, about seventeen miles from Stornoway, with defective steering gear.

He wanted to go off to her, but as a strong and increasing W.N.W. wind was blowing, with a heavy sea and heavy rain squalls, no ordinary boat could take him, and he asked for the life-boat. The district inspector of life-boats was in Stornoway, and after discussion it was decided to grant permission for the life-boat to go, on condition that the agent would be responsible for the expenses. The life- boat put off at 2.25 P.M., and returned to her station at 8.40 P.M.—No expense to the Institution.

Llandudno, Caernarvonshire.—At about 3.30 P.M. on the 18th October information came that a fishing boat was in distress to the north-east of Llandudno Bay. A strong westerly breeze was blowing, with a rough sea.

The motor life-boat Thomas and Annie Wade Richards was launched, and found the rowing fishing boat Barbara, of Llandudno, about three miles off.

She was being blown out to sea in a half-sunken condition and her crew of three were in a state of exhaustion.

The men were rescued and taken aboard the life-boat, which also brought the boat into the bay at 4.35 P.M.— Rewards, £12.

Campbeltown, Argyllshire. — Very early on the 19th October the auxiliary yacht Ben Hiant, of Stornoway, pleasure cruising with four persons on board, was sheltering in Campbeltown Loch. A whole N.W. gale was blowing, with a very rough sea. The weather was thick and squally. The yacht's anchor failed to hold and she began to drag ashore. Her signals of distress were seen, and the motor life-boat City of Glasgow was launched at 1.15 A.M. With considerable difficulty the life-boat was manoeuvred near her, and managed to pass her a tow-rope. She towed the yacht and her crew to the safety of the pier, arriving at 2.15 A.M.

The boarding boat had been sunk by the severity of the gale, and the life- boat had to remain moored to the pier until the morning of the 20th.— Property Salvage Case.

Brougbty Ferry, Angus.—The "motor life-boat Mona was launched at 2.10 A.M. on the 19th October, as flares had been seen from the Dundee sand-boat Oberon, which, with a crew of four, was at anchor just below Tay Bridge. A whole S.W. gale was blowing, with a heavy sea and rain squalls. The life- boat soon reached the Oberon, and found heavy seas sweeping over her.

She stood by, to windward, while the Oberon weighed anchor, and escorted her towards the Tidal Basin. The life- boat's searchlight was of great help in guiding her. Just as she reached the basin entrance she grounded.

The life-boat towed her off, at the third attempt, and took her safely in. It was impossible to rehouse the life-boat, and she was moored in the fish dock at 4 A.M. At 7.30 A.M. she put out again, as the s.s. Fair City, of Dundee, was in difficulties off Stanner- gate. She found that the Fair City had gone ashore, but was in no imme- diate danger, and wanted a tug. She thereupon returned, reported the re- quest to the steamer's owners, and put back to the fish dock at 8.5 A.M. She was rehoused at 4 P.M. The owners of the Oberon sent a letter of thanks and an anonymous donation was received.— Rewards, £15 16s.

Fleetwood, Lancashire. — During a severe gale, with the wind reaching seventy miles an hour, the motor life- boat Frederick H. Pilley was launched at 2.30 A.M. on the 19th October, informa- tion having been received from the Wyre light-keepers that a vessel was ashore on North Wharf. She was found to be the steam trawler Sarba, of Fleetwood, inward bound from fishing, with a crew of eleven on board.

Before the life-boat reached her she had been washed off the North Wharf by the exceptionally heavy broken seas, and carried into the Wyre Channel entrance. Later she went ashore on the Pilling Sands. There the life-boat stood by until high water, when the trawler refloated, and the life-boat escorted her into harbour, arriving at 4.30 A.M.—Rewards, £18 4-s.

Walmer, Kent.—Early on the morn- ing of the 19th October the coastguard telephoned that a barge, bearing one mile N.E. by N. from Deal coastguard station, was burning flares. A mode- rate W.S.W. gale was blowing, with a rough sea and squalls of rain. The motor life-boat Charles Dibdin was launched at 3.58 A.M., and found the barge Therisa, of London, at anchor, with a motor boat standing by. The life-boat also stood by until the barge slipped her anchor and made for Ramsgate, the motor boat going with her. The life-boat returned to her station at 7.15 A.M.—Rewards, £38 10s. 5d.

The Humber, Yorkshire. — The s.s.

Magrix, of Hull, was at anchor off Spurn in a whole W. gale, with a rough sea, on the 19th October. At 11.40 A.M. she began to drift and went ashore on the Point. She was on a dead lee shore with the seas breaking over her. The motor life-boat City of Bradford II was launched. She went to the vessel, anchored and veered down, but the captain decided that he and his crew would remain on board. The life-boat stood by until, as the tide ebbed, the crew were able to walk ashore. Owing to the gale, it was impossible to rehouse the life-boat at her station, so she spent the night in Grimsby, and was taken home and rehoused the following morning.—Per- manent crew ; Rewards, £2 5s. 3d.

New Brighton, Cheshire. —- At noon on the 19th October a message was received from the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board offices that a vessel in the channel was dragging her anchors and making distress signals. A full W. by N. gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea and heavy rain squalls.

The No. 2 motor life-boat William and Kate Johnston put out at 12.15 P.M., and found the s.s. Inga I, of Bergen, Norway, at anchor inside the training wall, near Crosby shore. The life-boat stood by, and later a tug and the Harbour Board's vessel Vigilant ar- rived. The life-boat then took a rope from the Inga I for towing, but neither the tug nor the Vigilant could come near enough to get it on board, on account of the heavy seas and the training wall. They returned to Liver- pool, but the life-boat continued to stand by, as the captain did not want to abandon his ship. Later on she took the pilot off the Inga I, but when it was impossible to remain near her any longer, owing to the falling tide, she made for home, reaching her station again at 6.50 P.M. The Inga I went aground on sand and next day was towed off by tugs and taken into dock. Additional monetary rewards were given to the life-boat crew for this long and arduous service.—Re- wards, £14 4s. 6d.

Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. — About midnight on the 19th October a message was received from the coastguard that a vessel in the south bay was burning flares. A whole N.N.W. to N. gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea and snow. The motor life-boat Duke of Connaught put out at 12.15 A.M., and found the vessel to be the ketch Cantick Head, of Kirkwall, bound to Bo'ness, with a crew of four. She had dragged her anchors, and was in a very dangerous position hard up against the Admiralty breakwater. The life-boat rescued the four men and took them into Peterhead harbour. She returned to her station at 1 A.M.—Rewards, £16 5s.1 Lowestoft, Suffolk. — On the 20th October the coastguard saw flares for help from the sailing smack Challenger, of Lowestoft, which, with a crew of four on board, was aground on the bank at the end of the north extension, and at 6.38 P.M. the motor life-boat Agnes Cross put out. A strong northerly breeze was blowing, with a very heavy sea. The life-boat found that the Board of Trade life-saving apparatus had already got a line across the smack. Without dropping anchor the life-boat manoeuvred alongside and got a wire attached. Then she towed the Challenger and her crew to harbour.

—Rewards, £33 17s. 6d.

Barra Island, Hebrides.—On the 20th October the steam trawler Gava, of Fleetwood, returning from the fishing grounds, struck a submerged rock while entering Castlebay harbour, and remained fast. A strong westerly breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea. Her signals of distress were seen, and the motor life-boat Lloyd's was launched at 11.30 P.M. With the receding tide the Gava took a heavy list and was in danger of falling over.

The life-boat ran out an anchor for her, 1 On the same day (igth October) on which the seven above services took place, the motor life-boats at Ramsey, Isle of Man, Maryport, Cumberland and Barrow, Lan- cashire, were launched to the help of the s.s. Esbo, of Hel- singfors, which had gone ashore near Bootle in a heavy gale. A full account of this wreck will appear in the next issue of The Life-boat. Three other launches on the same day, where the life-boats were not needed, are reported on page 23.

and stood by all night in case her help was wanted. She returned to her station at 9.30 A.M. on the 21st, taking with her one of the trawler's crew who had been injured. The Gava was refloated at noon with the help of a sister ship.—The owners gave a dona- tion to the Institution, and another to the life-boat crew. — Rewards, £19 15s. 6d.

Aith, Shetland.—On the 21st October the motor life-boat The Rankin took a surgeon and a nurse to Papa Stour, where a man was seriously ill, and an immediate operation was necessary if his life was to be saved.—The Depart- ment of Health for Scotland paid the rewards of £13 2s. 6d. (For a full account of this service see page 16.) Peterhead, Aberdeen.—At about 5.20 P.M. on the 23rd October news was received that a small boat was burning flares outside the north arm of the Admiralty breakwater. She was the old life-boat George Pickard, which had been sold out of the service, and was now engaged in fishing. He r engine had failed and she was in danger of driving on to a lee shore. A strong S.S.E. gale was blowing, with a heavy sea. The motor life-boat Duke of Connaught was launched at 5.35 P.M., and found that the George Pickard had got right into the broken water. She went as near as possible, passed the George Pickard a rope, and towed her and her crew of two into safety. She returned to her station at 6.15 P.M.— Rewards, £16 12s.

Moelfre, Anglesey.—During a heavy N.N.W. gale, with a rough sea, on the 29th October, the schooner Volant, of Kilkeel, which was sheltering in Moelfre Bay, began to drag her anchors towards the shore. She was bound from IQJkeel to Liverpool with a' cargo of granite, and carried a crew of four. In answer to her signals of distress the motor life-boat G.W. was launched at 3.15 P.M., took off her crew, and landed them. She returned to her station at 4.15 P.M.—Rewards, £8 19s.

St. Peter Port, Guernsey.—On the evening of the 29th October a resident of Pollet saw signals of distress in the Russell. News was passed to the life-boat station and the motor life-boat Queen Victoria put out at 7.50 P.M.

A moderate N.W. gale was blowing, with a rough sea. The life-boat found the s.s. Lancashire, of Sunderland, at anchor one and a half miles S.E. of Platte Fougere lighthouse. She was bound from Guernsey to Blyth with a crew of eight, and her engine had failed. The life-boat stood by while temporary repairs were carried out, and began to escort her to St. Peter Port. The Lancashire's engines again broke down, so the life-boat towed her in. But for her help the steamer would have become a total loss. The life-boat returned to her station at 2.30 A.M. on the 30th.—Rewards, £14.

Lowestoft, Suffolk.—At 11.30 A.M.

on the 3rd November a messenger from the coastguard reported that a motor boat was in difficulties near South East Newcome Buoy. Another boat had had her in tow, but the line had parted. A moderate S.S.E. breeze was blowing, with a rough sea. The motor life-boat Agnes Cross was launched at 11.45 A.M., and found that the boat was the local motor fishing boat Golden Miller, with her engine broken down. She had drifted three miles, and was shipping water. Her anchor had been lost, and her crew were exhausted by their efforts to get into safety. Life-belts were handed to the men, and the life-boat towed the boat safely round the inner edge of the Newcome Sands, where seas were breaking heavily, and so into harbour.

The life-boat returned to her station at 12.55 P.M.—Rewards, £19 19s. Qd.

Whitby, Yorkshire.—The No. 1 motor life-boat Margaret Harker Smith was launched at 10.30 A.M., on the 4th November, as conditions were bad and some of the local boats and cobles were at sea. A moderate east breeze was blowing, a rough sea was rolling into the harbour ; and owing to heavy rain, a lot of fresh water was running down the harbour. The life-boat made several trips and escorted in eleven motor fishing boats and three fishing cobles. She returned to her station at 2 P.M.—Rewards, £8 5s. Qd.

Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.—The local fishing fleet put out to sea shortly after daybreak on the 5th November.

Later a south-easterly gale sprang up, with squalls of rain, and a very heavy sea, making the harbour entrance ex- tremely dangerous. The motor life-boat Lady Rothes was launched and escorted one boat into harbour. She then put out again and warned the rest of the fleet not to attempt the harbour, but to run up the firth for shelter. This they did. The life-boat returned to her station at 3.30 P.M.—Rewards, £7 16*. 6d.

Aberdeen.—During the afternoon of the 5th November the sea increased rapidly, and when the motor fishing yawls Procure and Quest, of Banff, inward bound, appeared in the bay, it was breaking very heavily across the harbour bar. A moderate S.S.E. breeze was blowing. The No. 1 motor life- boat Emma Constance put out at 3.45 P.M., escorted the yawls into harbour, and returned to her station at 4.47 P.M.—Rewards, £6 135.

Blyth, Northumberland. — On the afternoon of the 6th November the coastguard telephoned that a small vessel, one and a half miles S.E. of St. Mary's Island, was showing signals of distress. A moderate breeze was blowing, with a heavy ground swell, and a thick, patchy fog. The motor life-boat Joseph Adlam was launched at 5.25 P.M., in charge of the second cox- swain, but returned after searching for two hours without result. The coast- guard reported that the vessel was still signalling, and the life-boat again put out. This time the coxswain took command. At 8.15 P.M. the life-boat found the motor fishing vessel Dorshie, of South Shields. The Dorshie had been fishing, with a crew of three, but her engine had broken down, and she was in distress in the breakers on a lee shore. The life-boat towed her into the safety of the Tyne, and returned to her station at 11 P.M.—Rewards, £17 17s.

St. Peter Port, Guernsey. — On the evening of the 9th November a police- man reported that a man on Brechou Island had telephoned that a vessel thought to be his motor drifter White Heather, was showing signals of distress about three miles north of Sark. A moderate south gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea. The motor life-boat Queen Victoria put out at 7.40 P.M., and about two hours later found the White Heather with her engine broken down.

The White Heather, which was used to carry goods and workmen between Guernsey and Brechou, had eight people on board, and her skipper was the life-boat coxswain. The life-boat towed her back to St. Peter Port, and returned to her station at 10.45 P.M.— Rewards, £17 6*. 6d.

Lowestoft, Suffolk.—Early on the 13th November a strong S.S.E. gale sprang up, with a very heavy sea. As all the small fishing boats were out, the life-boat coxswain and the coastguard kept watch. All boats came in except the Sonny Boy, and at 7.30 A.M. she was seen about three and a half miles S.S.W. of the harbour, in difficulties.

The motor life-boat Agnes Cross was launched, and found that her engine had broken down and her nets had fouled her propeller. Her crew of three had hoisted a sail, but this had been blown away. The life-boat threw a line, but it was missed, and the Sonny Boy drove across the sands. Her crew then hoisted another sail, which held, and the life-boat escorted her into safety. In the meantime the steam drifter Govoan Bank, of Banff, which had lost her rudder, and was being towed into harbour, broke adrift from her tug. The life-boat put out again, stood by while the tug made the tow- rope fast again, and accompanied the two vessels into harbour. She returned to her station at 9.15 A.M.—Rewards, £20 18*. 6d.

The following life-boats were launched, but no services were rendered for the reasons given :— Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk, —8th October. Red rockets had been seen, but a thorough search revealed nothing.—Rewards, £28 19*.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—9th October.

A barge had burned a flare, but must have gone on her way, as she could not be found.—Rewards, £23 15*. 3d.

Torbay, Devon.—14th October. The oil tanker Barf own, of Stavanger, Norway, caught fire about forty miles E.S.E.

of Start Point, but was taken in tow by H.M.S. Wrestler before the life-boat could reach her.—Rewards, £21 25. 6d.

Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire.—17th Octo- ber. A fishing boat was wrecked on Portmadoc Bar, and before the life- boat could reach her the crew of two had been swept away and drowned.— Rewards, £7 16*. 6d.

Portrush, Co. Antrim.—19th October.

A vessel had been reported ashore, but could not be found. One of the life- boatmen was washed overboard, but rescued.—Rewards, Thanks of the In- stitution inscribed on vellum, letters of thanks, and £l 7s. Qd. to replace the sea boots lost by the man who was washed overboard, and monetary re- wards amounting to £30 17*. (For a full account of this service see page 7).

Appledore, Devon.—19th October. A steamer had lost her propeller, but a trawler took her in tow and tugs went to her help.—Rewards, £20 Is.

Bembridge, Isle of Wight. — 19th October. A sailing boat was making rough weather, but got into Chichester harbour without help. — Rewards, £11 15s. 6d.

The Mumbles, Glamorganshire.—23rd October. A ketch had caught fire, but her crew made land in their own boat, while the life-boat was out looking for them.—Rewards, £16 17*.

Lerwick, Shetlands.—24th October.

A motor ferry boat had caught fire, and went ashore, but the only man on board managed to swim to land.— Rewards, £5 14*.

Walton and Frinton, Essex. — 25th October. A wreck had been reported, but it was found later to be a lighter, with no one on board, which had foundered while being towed.—Re- wards, £26 15*. 6d.

St. Mary's, Scilly Islands.—25th Octo- ber. A yacht had been reported to be in distress, but as a steamer was standing by and a tug was on its way, the life-boat was recalled shortly after leaving.—Rewards, £7 15*. 6d.

Fenit, Co. Kerry. — 26th October.

What was believed to be a drifting ship's boat was reported, but it was found to be only a mast with a flag, which had been used as a mark by trawlers.—Rewards, £10 6*. 3d.

Portpatrick, Wigtownshire.—27th Octo- ber. A steamer had foundered, but a trawler rescued the crew. The life- boat, which had been launched at 1.45 P.M., put into Drummore at 10 P.M., and returned to her station next morn- ing.—Rewards, £25 18*.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—29th October.

A yacht was reported to be in distress, but it was found to be a large floating tree trunk.—Rewards, £8 11*. 3d.

Flamborough, Yorkshire.—29th Octo- ber. A fishing boat was in distress, with her engine broken down, but she got ashore without help.—Rewards, £27 15*.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex. — 30th October. A fishing boat had been reported to be in distress, but she was picked up by another fishing boat.— Rewards, £7 15*. 6d.

Stromness, Orkneys.- -31st October.

A trawler's boat was being blown out to sea, but a trawler towed her to safety.—- Rewards, £7 11*.

Cromer, Norfolk.—31st October. A steamer had stranded near the South Middle Haisborough Buoy, but she floated off again.—Rewards, £26 4*. 6d.

Campbeltown, Argyllshire. — 2nd November. The steamer Elizabeth, of Copenhagen, had run ashore, and the life-boat went to her help, but the crew were rescued by the Board of Trade life-saving rocket apparatus.—Re- wards, £12 1*. 6d.

Gourdon, Kincardineshire.—8th Novem- ber. Eight local fishing boats were out when a heavy ground swell began to get up, making the harbour entrance dangerous, but the boats made for Johnshaven instead of returning home.—Rewards, £17 15s.

Dover, Kent.—llth November. Flares of distress had been reported, but they were found to be a motor vessel backfiring in her funnel exhaust.— Rewards £5 12s. 6d.

December Meeting.

Bonlmer, Northumberland.—While the local fishing fleet were at sea on the 2nd November the weather broke, and a strong south breeze sprang up, with a rough sea. All boats except the Thrift got safely in, and the motor life- boat L. P. & St. Helen was launched at 8.4 A.M. to look for her. She met her about one mile off and escorted her into harbour. She then put out again, as a small motor boat had been reported about two miles S.E. of Boulmer.

While she was searching, news was received that the small boat was south of Coquet and was not in need of help.

A recall signal was made, and the life- boat returned to her station at 10.40 A.M.—Rewards, £9 5s. 6d.

Ramsgate, Kent.—The motor life-boat Prudential put out at 3.16 A.M. on the 12th November, as information had been received that four local herring boats were adrift. A strong S.S.E.

gale was blowing, with a rough sea.

The life-boat went in the direction of Deal, found the four boats and escorted them into Ramsgate harbour, arriving at 5.13 A.M. In the meantime the barge Celtic, of London, bound from London to Sandwich, with a load of timber and a crew of three, had been kept under observation, as she had been driving all night, after having anchored in Pegwell Bay, until she was in a very dangerous position. The life-boat went to her help and towed her into harbour, arriving at 7.10 A.M.— Rewards, £12 14s.; also Property Salvage Case.

The Humber, Yorkshire.—At about 10 P.M. on the 13th November the coxswain saw that the Middle Gas Float had broken from its mooring and was drifting out of the Humber, be- coming a danger to navigation. The sea was smooth, with a light southerly wind, and the tide was ebbing. A small boat was manned by life-boatmen, and the float was intercepted and moored near the Inner Bink Buoy.

When the matter was reported to the Humber Conservancy Board, the Board requested that the float should be brought in on the flood tide, and at 4.45 A.M. on the 14th the motor life- boat City of Bradford II was launched.

She went to the float, placed two men on board, and came in with it on the flood, eventually mooring it inside Spurn. Later the float was taken in tow by a tug. The life-boat returned to her station at 6.45 A.M.—The Conservancy made a gift to the life-boat crew in appreciation of their services.

—Permanent crew.

Arbroath, Angus.—On the evening of the 15th November the whole of the local fishing fleet, excepting the Mar- garet and Helen, had returned from the fishing grounds on account of bad weather. A moderate S.S.E. gale was blowing, with a heavy sea. About 5.30 P.M. the light of the Margaret and Helen was seen outside the bar, and the motor life-boat John and William Mudie was launched to her help, es- corted her over the dangerous bar into harbour, and returned to her station at 6 P.M.—Rewards, £7 Is.

Eastbourne, Sussex. — On the 17th November the motor fishing boat Mizpah, of Newhaven, which was fishing off the Seven Sisters, got into difficulties through the failure of her engine. A moderate westerly gale was blowing, with a rough sea and rain.

The motor fishing boat Ocean Gift, of Hastings, with a crew of three, went to the help of the Mizpah, took her in tow and made for Eastbourne, but she was unable to get in and signalled for help.

The Eastbourne motor life-boat Jane Holland was launched at 4.15 P.M. She took four of the crew off the Mizpah, leaving the remaining man aboard to steer, and then towed the vessel in.

The Ocean Gift incurred some risk in approaching the Mizpah in heavy weather, and sustained damage. She was beached at Eastbourne for repairs.

—Rewards, Life-boat, £19 19s.; Ocean Gift, £3, £3 10s. for repairs, and 5s. for fuel used.

New Brighton, Cheshire.—The No. 2 motor life-boat William and Kate John- ston put out at 11.15 A.M. on the 17th November as it had been reported that a boat was in difficulties abreast of Leasowe Castle. A very strong N.E.

breeze was blowing, with a rough sea and heavy rain. The life-boat found the boat Pamelia June, of Liverpool, at anchor in a dangerous position in Old Rock Channel. Her engine had broken down, and her sails had carried away.

The life-boat took off two of the crew of four, leaving two men to steer, and towed the boat to a safe anchorage at New Brighton. She returned to her station at 1.45 P.M.—Rewards, £6 18*.

Whitby, Yorkshire.—In spite of bad weather, the local motor fishing vessel Provider put to sea early on the morning of the 21st November. The sea was very rough, a lot of fresh water was running down the harbour, and the entrance was very dangerous. It was thought advisable to send out the motor life-boat Margaret Harker Smith to escort the Provider into harbour, and she was launched at 11.15 A.M. She lay alongside the fish quay until, at 1.30 P.M. the Provider was sighted.

She then put out, and met her near Rock Buoy. As the boats neared harbour those on shore poured a can of thick oil on to the sea from the west pier end, and this prevented some heavy seas breaking. The life-boat escorted the Provider safely in and returned to her station at 2.40 P.M.— Rewards, £8 5s. 6d.

Ramsgate, Kent.—During a thick fog on the morning of the 23rd November the s.s. Lancresse, of Guernsey, bound from London to Newlyn with a cargo of stone, and the Norwegian steamer Tres, of Tonsberg, Blyth for Caen, with a cargo of coal, came into collision about one and three quarter miles south by east of Brake Lightvessel.

Both steamers were badly damaged, and the Lancresse sank. At 10.12 A.M.

the Brake Lightvessel reported, through the coastguard, that she had taken on board ten of the Lancresse's crew, but that one man was missing. The motor life-boat Prudential put out at 10.22 A.M., but although she searched all visible wreckage she could find no trace of the missing man. She took the ten men off the Brake Lightvessel and landed them at Ramsgate, returning to her station at 11.50 A.M. The Tres put into Dover under her own steam.— Rewards, £8 Is. 6d.

Caister, Norfolk. — The pulling and sailing life-boat Charles Burton was launched at 12.30 P.M. on the 25th November, as the life-boat shore signal- man had heard distress signals appar- ently coming from a vessel on the north end of the Barber Sands. Nothing could be seen on account of a heavy fog.

A moderate west breeze was blowing, with a heavy ground swell. The life- boat was unable to find any trace of a vessel in distress, and was making for home, when she saw the drifter Ocean Sprite groping her way through the fog, dangerously near the beach. She guided her clear of trouble and returned to her station at 4 P.M. The Ocean Sprite, but for the life-boat's help, would have run ashore.—Rewards, £21 18s.

The Humber, Yorkshire.—On the morning of the 25th November it was reported that a steamer was apparently ashore near the Inner Binks, and the motor life-boat City of Bradford II was launched at 10.15 A.M. The wind was only light, with a slight ground sea, but there was a fog. The life-boat found the Swedish steamer Groveland, of Raa, hard aground between Inner Binks and Spurn lighthouse, and stood by her until at 1 P.M. she floated clear on the flood tide. Then, acting on the cox- swain's advice, and following the lead given by the life-boat, the Groveland got safely into the channel, and, after thanking the life-boat's crew for their help, went on her way up the Humber.

The life-boat returned to her station at 2 P.M.—Property Salvage Case.

St. Mary's, Scilly Islands.—On the evening of the 27th November it was reported that a member of the Board of Trade life-saving rocket apparatus crew had fallen over a cliff and been seriously injured, and that it was necessary to get him to the mainland for hospital treat- ment. As both steamers serving the island were at Penzance, it was decided to take him in the motor life-boat Cunard. She was launched at 8 P.M. in a very strong west breeze, with a rough sea, and arrived at Penzance just before one in the morning. She left again at 2.35 A.M., and returned to her station at 9.30 A.M.—No expense to the Institution.

Penlee, Cornwall.—Soon after mid- night on the 30th November it was reported that a fishing boat was burning flares four miles south of Porthleven.

A strong W.N.W. breeze was blowing, with a rough sea and heavy rain showers. The motor life-boat W. & S.

was launched at 12.45 A.M., and found the motor fishing boat Adventure, of Penzance, with a crew of five, at anchor close to a lee shore near Mullion Island.

Her engine had failed, and she was in danger of being driven ashore, as the wind and sea were increasing. The life-boat towed her into Newlyn har- bour, and returned to her station at 5.15 A.M.—Rewards, £16 45. 6d.

Whitby, Yorkshire.—Early on the 2nd December eleven fishing boats put out to fish in moderate weather. Later the wind and sea rose, and as there would be great risk to the boats as they came in, the motor life-boat Margaret Harker Smith was launched at 11.10 A.M. A strong N.W. breeze was then blowing, with a rough sea. The life- boat crossed the harbour bar and returned eleven times, escorting the boats in one by one, and each time the harbour entrance was made she sprayed the sea with oil. She returned to her station at 2.15 P.M.—Rewards, £8 55. 6d.

Skegness, Lincolnshire. — The motor life-boat Anne Allen was launched at 11.32 A.M. on the 2nd December, as the coastguard had reported that a fishing boat, six and a half miles S.E. of Skeg- ness, had hoisted distress signals. A strong W. by S. breeze was blowing, with a rough sea. The life-boat found the boat to be the Harold, of Boston, with a crew of three. She was nearly submerged, her anchor, sails and small boat had gone, her pumps were out of order and her engine had broken down.

The three men were completely ex- hausted, having been out for two days in very bad weather. They were rescued and taken ashore. Their vessel foundered shortly after they were taken off. The life-boat returned to her station at 1 P.M.—Rewards, £9 17s.

The following life-boats were launched, but no services were rendered for the reasons given : Cloughey, Newcastle, and Ardglass, Co.

Down. — 31st October. The coast- guard had telephoned that an aeroplane was reported to have fallen into the sea about one and a half miles S.E. of St.

John's Point. A moderate S.W. breeze was blowing, with a heavy sea. At 1.22 P.M. the Cloughey motor life-boat William Maynard was launched, fol- lowed at 1.38 P.M. by the Newcastle pulling and sailing life-boat John.

Two Lossiemouth fishing boats, the Olive Leaf and the Crest, also put out from Ardglass to help in the search, a police sergeant going in the Olive Leaf.

A thorough search revealed nothing, and the observer must have been mistaken, as no aircraft was reported missing.—Life-boat rewards, Cloughey, £10 55.; Newcastle, £21 155. 6d.; rewards to the Olive Leaf and Crest, £8 55.; and 105. for fuel used.

Arranmore, Co. Donegal. — 10th November. A sailing boat with twenty men and women on board, mostly agricultural workers returning from the Scottish potato harvest, put off from Burtonport for Arran Island at about 6 P.M. on the 9th November. There was a moderate but freshening N.E.

breeze, with a moderate sea. During a rain squall the boat struck a rock and capsized and all on board except one man were drowned. Among those lost was the bowman of the Arranmore life-boat. The one man had managed to climb on to the overturned boat, and succeeded in helping his father and his brother to get on, too. His father died and the body was carried away.

His brother also died, but he held the body on the boat. He drifted all night until his shouts were heard at about 8 A.M., and three men put off and rescued him. The Arranmore motor life-boat K.T.J.S. also put out to search for survivors, but only found bodies, which she brought ashore.— Life-boat rewards, £9 ; the survivor, £1: his rescuers, £1 2s. 6d.

Gourdon, Kincardineshire. — 15th November. The life-boat was called out to escort two fishing boats into Stone- haven, but she was not wanted.—• Rewards, £17 15s.

The Mumbles, Glamorganshire.—20th November. A vessel was reported to be ashore, but it was found to be a buoy.—Rewards, £7 5*. 6d.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—23rd Novem- ber. Rockets had been reported near the Mouse Lightvessel, but no vessel in distress could be found.—Rewards, £19 10s.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—25th Novem- ber. A man in a small boat had got lost in a thick fog, but eventually made land without help.—Rewards, £23 Os.Qd.

Ramsgate, Kent. — 25th November.

A Lightvessel reported that a flare had been seen, but no vessel in distress could be found.—Rewards, £15 14s.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk.

—25th November. A vessel had been reported ashore, but she must have got off as the tide rose, for she could not be found.—Rewards, £21 6s.

Wells, Norfolk.—26th November. A barge had gone ashore, but she got off without help and went on her way.— Rewards, £58 13s.

Fowey, Cornwall.—30th November.

The s.s. Orchis, carrying a crew of nine, put out from Par with a cargo of china clay for Dundee and Aberdeen. She sprang a leak and began to founder, and her crew took to the ship's boat.

The sea was rough, rain was falling, and a moderate westerly breeze was blowing.

The sinking steamer was seen by the coastguard, and the motor life-boat C.D.E.C. put out at 9.5 A.M. She found that a Mevagissey fishing boat, which was not far away when the steamer sank, had already rescued the crew.

They had had no time to collect their belongings before leaving the ship, and were landed at Fowey with only the clothes they were wearing. There they were cared for at the Missions to Sea- men's Institute.—Rewards, Life-boat £6 13s ; the Mevagissey fishing boat, £2.

Wicklow.—30th November. A fishing boat was reported to be in distress, but she made Arklow without help.— Rewards, £18 4s. 6d.

January Meeting.

Arranmore, Co. Donegal.—While at anchor on the 20th October, the s.s.

Carlingford, of Liverpool, dragged her anchors in a whole N.W. gale, with a very heavy sea. At 3 A.M., as she was drifting ashore, she sent out distress signals, and in response the crew of the motor life-boat K.T.J.S. were assem- bled, but almost at once the steamer went ashore. A line was floated down to the vessel from the shore and by means of this line the ship's boat was hauled ashore with her crew on board.

The life-boatmen were engaged in helping to rescue them for about three hours.—Rewards, £9 15s.

Penlee, Cornwall.—The S.S. Cornish Rose, of Liverpool, bound from Fowey to Preston, with a crew of nine, got into difficulties when about twenty-one miles north of Pendeen on the evening of the 6th December. Her fires had been extinguished by heavy seas, and her steering-gear had been damaged.

She was taken in tow by another steamer, and anchored in Mount's Bay on the evening of the 7th. Early next morning she started a bad leak, and once more fired signals for help. News of the signals were received from the coastguard, and the motor life-boat W. & S. was launched at 5.20 A.M. A moderate W.N.W. breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea. The master of the Cornish Rose did not wish to aban- don ship, but asked the life-boat for a tow into Newlyn harbour. The life- boat towed her in, and returned to her station at 3 P.M., after having been on service for nearly ten hours.—Property Salvage Case.

Caister, Norfolk.—At about noon on the 7th December the coastguard re- ported that the Cockle Lightvessel was firing signals to indicate that a vessel was in distress. A light W.S.W. breeze was blowing, and the sea was fairly smooth, but there was a dense fog. The pulling and sailing life-boat Charles Burton was launched at 12.10 P.M., and found the drifter Young Sam, of Yar- mouth, stranded on the north end of Caister Shoal. At the request of the skipper she stood by until the drifter refloated, and returned to her station at 4.15 P.M.—Rewards, £21 18s.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk.

—On the morning of the 13th December the coastguard telephoned that a small motor fishing boat, south of Gorleston pier, was driving ashore and making distress signals. A fresh N.E. breeze was blowing, with a rough sea. The motor life-boat John & Mary Meiklam of Gladswood was launched at 11.25 A.M., and found the local motor fishing boat Boy Jim just clear of the breakers.

Her engine had broken down, and her crew of two were very exhausted from their efforts to keep her off the beach by means of oars. Although the life- boat herself touched bottom, she got a line on board the Boy Jim and towed her safely back to harbour. She re- turned to her station at noon.—Re- wards, £13 14*.

Lerwick, Shetlands.—On the evening of the 15th December the German consul reported that the skipper of the German trawler Brandenburg, of Weser- munde, which had just anchored in the harbour, was seriously ill. A whole S.S.E. gale was blowing, with a heavy sea, and heavy rain, and the only boat suitable for bringing the man ashore was the motor life-boat Lady Jane and Martha Ryland. She put out at 7.25 P.M., after embarking a doctor who volunteered to go. The Brandenburg's skipper, who was suffering from erysipe- las, was taken ashore, and the life-boat returned to her station at 8 P.M.— Rewards, £13 2s. 6d.

Runswick, Yorkshire. — The Staithes fishing fleet put out at 5 a.M. on the 20th December in moderate weather.

Later the wind got .up, and by 10.30 A.M. a moderate and increasing N.N.W.

gale was blowing, with a heavy sea.

The weather was thick. Some of the fleet got safely in, but the motor life- boat Robert Patton—The Always Ready was launched at 10.45 A.M. to help the others. The Freda, Star of Hope and Radiant Morn, each with a crew of three, were escorted, in turn, into harbour. The last coble, the Flora, was picked up about three miles north of Staithes and escorted in, and the life-boat returned to her station at 3 P.M.—Rewards, £15 6*. 6d.

Holy Island, Northumberland. — The s.s. Grosvenor, of Newcastle, bound light from Port Knockie to Sunderland, struck the rocks at Emmanuel Head early on the morning of the 20th Decem- ber. A moderate N.W. breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea. The night was very dark, and there were patches of fog. When the Grosvenor began to founder her crew of eight took to her small boats, but remained near her, as it would have been extremely dangerous for them to try to reach shore. They burned signals of distress, and the motor life-boat Milburn was launched at 2.15 A.M. She rescued the eight men and returned to her station at 4.30 A.M. The Grosvenor became a total loss. — Rewards, £15 145. 6d.

Sunderland, Co. Durham.—The motor life-boat Edward and Isabella Irwin was launched at 9.55 A.M. on the 24th December, as a fisherman had repo'rted that the motor fishing boat White Lady appeared to be in need of help. A strong S.E. gale was blowing, with a rough sea and rain. The White Lady got in without help, but news was received that the motor fishing boat True Vine was still at sea, and the life- boat went to look for her. She found her about four miles off Ryhope, and escorted her safely into harbour. The life-boat returned to her station at 1 P.M.—Rewards, £8 2s. 6d.

Blyth, Northumberland.—The motor life-boat Joseph Adlam was launched at 10.15 A.M. on the 24th December, as the coastguards had reported that two motor fishing boats were making heavy weather off St. Mary's Island. A strong S.E. gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea. The fishing boat Rejoice was found about two miles S.S.E. of Blyth, and escorted in. The life-boat then went farther S.E., fell in with the Margaret A. Johnston, and escorted her in. She returned to her station at 11.45 A.M.—Rewards, £8 55. 6d.

St. Abbs, Berwickshire.—Three local fishing boats, Victory, Violet, and Laurel, were caught in a S.E. gale on the 24th December. The regular life-boat crew was out fishing, with the exception of the second coxswain, but a " scratch " crew were got together. Everyone available lent a hand, and the honorary secretary, a schoolmaster, left the school in order to supervise the launch.

The motor life-boat Helen Smitton put out at 10.30 A.M., and stood by until the boats were safe in harbour. She returned ashore at 1 P.M.—No rewards desired.

Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, and Barry Dock, Glamorganshire.—On the night of the 23rd December the Greek steamer Michalis Poutous, of Piraeus, bound light from Rouen to Barry Dock, ran on to the rocks in Bridgwater bay, near Burnham. She carried a crew of twenty-nine. A moderate easterly breeze was blowing, with showers of snow and sleet. A moderate sea was running and there was a dense fog.

The Weston-super-Mare motor life-boat Fifi and Charles was launched at 9.30 P.M., and found the steamer two hours later. Her back was breaking. The life-boat stood by until the tide had risen sufficiently to enable her to get alongside. Then twenty-seven of the crew left the steamer and took to the ship's boats and the life-boat. The captain and steward remained on the part of the wreck which was not in immediate danger. The Barry Dock motor life-boat Prince David, which had put out at 10.15 P.M., arrived later, and closed with the Weston-super- Mare boat. Both life-boats then stood by the steamer until daylight in order to see how much she was damaged, and then, soon after 7 A.M., they made for Barry, each towing a ship's boat, leaving the captain and steward still on board. They arrived at Barry at about 10 A.M. on the 24th. The Weston-super-Mare life-boat left again soon afterwards, and reached her station at noon. She had been on service for about fifteen hours and the Barry Dock life-boat for twelve. The Michalis Poutous, her back broken, was even- tually salved by tugs, and taken into Barry Roads. Letters of appreciation were sent to the coxswains and crews, and letters of thanks to the honorary secretaries, Mr. E. J. MeKaig, of Weston-super-Mare, and Mr. A. C.

Jones, of Barry Dock, and increased money awards given to the crews.—• Rewards, Weston - super - Mare, £30 05. 6d.; Barry Dock, £29 Is. Qd.

Aberdeen.—On the 25th December the steam trawler George Stroud, of Aberdeen, was wrecked when entering the harbour. The Aberdeen No. 1 motor life-boat Emma Constance rescued one of the crew, and another was rescued by the Institution's North Pier life-saving rocket apparatus com- pany.—Rewards, Bronze Medal and increased money awards amounting to £43 7s. 6d. ; No. 1 life-boat, £22 05. 6d.; North Pier rocket apparatus, £17 9s.; Torry rocket apparatus, £3 18*.

(A full account of this service appears on page 4.) North Sunderland, Northumberland.— At 1 P.M. on the 3rd January the pulling and sailing life-boat Lizzie Porter was launched, as the breaking seas made the harbour entrance risky for the fishing boats. The wind was freshening from the N. to N.E. Eleven local boats were out, and the life-boat stood by until they were all safely in at 4.10 P.M.— Rewards, £14 9s.

The following life-boats were launched, but no services were rendered for the reasons given :—• Margate, Kent. — 14th November.

Lightvessels had fired signals, but it was found that they were calling for their tender, as one of the crew of the Edinburgh Lightvessel had died.— Rewards, £16 17s. 6d.

Hastings, Sussex.—19th November.

A steamer had burned flares, but it was found that what she wanted was only a tug.—Rewards, £51 17s. 6d.

Southend-on-Sea; Essex. — 7th De- cember. Two boys in a boat had got lost in a fog, but made land unaided.

The father of one of the boys gave the life-boat crew fifty guineas in appre- ciation of their search. — Rewards, £24 8s. 6d.

Southwold, Suffolk.—9th December.

A fishing boat had been reported over- due, but she reached safety unaided,,—• Rewards, £25 4§, Seaham, Co. Durham.—16th Decem- ber. A fishing boat had been reported overdue, but she had put into Hartle- pool.—Rewards, £16 18s. 3d.

The Humber, Yorkshire.—20th De- cember. Reports of guns had been heard, but no trace of any vessel in distress could be found.—Permanent crew. Rewards, 9*.

Salcombe, Devon.—-20th December.

A steam drifter was in difficulties with her engine broken down, but another drifter took her in tow.—Rewards, £7 12s.

Hoylake, Cheshire.—26th December.

A steamer had made a succession of blasts on her whistle, but it was found that what she wanted was only a pilot.

—Rewards, £43 19s. 6d.

Barrow, Lancashire. — 28th Decem- ber. A steamer had foundered, but her crew got ashore in the ship's boat.— Rewards, £7 2s.

Lowestoft, Suffolk.—30th December.

Flares had been reported, but a search failed to find any vessel in distress.— Rewards, £40 10s. 6d.

Aberdeen.—31st December. A trawler sounded her siren continuously, but it was found that she was only in need of a tug.—Rewards, £13 2s. 6d.

Cresswell, Northumberland.—1st Janu- ary. A steamer had stranded, but she got off without help, and went on her way.—Rewards, £17 6s..