Plymouth, Torbay, and Salcombe, Devon.

—On the evening of the 9th January, with a strong south-westerly gale blowing, and a very heavy sea, information was received through the coastguard that signals of distress had been seen a mile S.W. of Bolt Head.

They came from the Dutch motor vessel Zeehond, of Groningen, bound from Southampton to Plymouth with timber and a crew of six. Her engines had broken down. The Salcombe motor life-boat Alfred and Clara Heath was launched at 4.15 P.M., but could make no headway against the wind and sea, and was unable to cross the bar. The Plymouth motor life-boat Robert and Marcella Beck put out at 5.25 P.M., and reached the Zeehond at 7.35 P.M. Her master was undecided whether or not to abandon ship, but finally decided to remain aboard. The life-boat stood by throughout the night.

In the morning the Zeehond got her engines working again, and the life-boatescorted her to Salcombe. It was an arduous service, lasting for sixteen and a half hours. On one occasion the heavy seas nearly washed one of the crew overboard, but the coxswain seized him just in time.

Meanwhile the Torbay motor life-boat George Shee had also been launched at 5.25 P.M., but she reached the Zeehond to find the Plymouth life-boat already there, and, as her services were not needed, she returned to her station, arriving shortly after midnight.

An increase in the usual money awards on the standard scale was made to Coxswain Roach, of Plymouth, and each member of his crew. The Netherlands Government sent its appreciation of the services of the two life-boats, and at their annual meeting the Motor Coastal Owners at Groningen also expressed their heartiest appreciation.

The Plymouth City Council passed a resolution recording its admiration and pride at the courageous conduct of the Plymouth life-boat crew, and the Commander-in-Chief at Plymouth also expressed his admiration.—Rewards, Plymouth, £28 9s.; Torbay, £16 7s.; Salcombe, £12 17s. 3d..