Port Askaig, Islay.—On the afternoon of the 31st December the Oban coastguard telegraphed that an aircraft had reported a ship drifting eastward through the Gulf of Corrievreckan, which is north of Jura Island. A strong S.W. breeze was blowing, with a heavy sea and hail showers. The motor lifeboat Charlotte Elizabeth was launched at 5.30 P.M., but returned twelve hours later without having seen any sign of the vessel. Later it was learned that the Norwegian steamer Karmt, of Haugesund, had been sheltering in the area, but had gone on her way. An increase in the usual money award on the standard scale was granted to each member of the life-boat crew.—- Rewards, £14 6s. 6d..