Services of the Life-Boats. Reported to the April, May, June and July Meetings of the Committee of Management
Launches 102. Lives rescued 193.
April Meeting.
Aberdeen.—During the very bad storms from 21st January to 1st Febru- ary the motor life-boat was launched three times, the pulling and sailing life- boat was launched once, and her crew assembled twice. The Institution's life- saving apparatus companies at North Pier and Tony were also assembled nine times.—Rewards: Silver and bronze medals, thanks inscribed on vellum, binocular glass, letters of thanks, and increased money awards.
Total rewards, £170 7s. 9d.
(A full account of these services appeared in the last issue of The Life-boat.) Broughty Ferry, Angus.—On the 30th January the crew of the Abertay light- vessel were rescued.—Rewards: Thanks inscribed on vellum and £9 12s.
(A full account of this service, appeared in the last issue of The Life-boat.) Fishguard, Pembrokeshire. — During the morning of the 28th February the Great Western Railway local marine superintendent asked if the motor life- boat White Star would place a crew on board the railway's s.s. St. Patrick, which was lying at a mooring-buoy in the harbour. She had parted her cable and was being held only by a wire rope. A whole northerly gale was blowing, with a moderate sea, and the life-boat was the only suitable boat available. She was launched at 11.50 A.M., and put the crew on board; she then anchored under the lee of the north breakwater, as it was impossible to rehouse her until the weather moderated. During the afternoon she was hailed and asked to take a crew to a Great Western Railway tug which also was lying in the harbour. This she did and was made fast to the stern of the tug for the night. The crew remained on board. Next day the weather moderated and the life- boat was rehoused at 6.15 P.M. The owners made a donation to the Insti- tution.—Rewards, £7 7s.
Stromness, Orkneys.—At 11.50 P.M. on the 8th March the Kirkwall coastguard reported that distress signals had been seen off Mull Head, Papa Westray, and that the life-boat was wanted. The motor life-boat J.J.K.S.W. put out at 12.15 A.M. on the 9th. Meanwhile the vessel had gone ashore at Aikerness Holm, Westray, and the life-boat found her there at 5.30 A.M. The wind was light, but there was a heavy ground swell. The vessel was the steam traw- ler Loch Buie, of Aberdeen, homeward bound, with a crew of eleven on board.
She had washed over the reef on which she had struck, and was lying in shallow water, leaking in the stokehold. Owingto the darkness, and the outlying reefs, the life-boat had some difficulty in getting alongside, but she succeeded and rescued the eleven men. The skipper and engineer were put ashore at Westray and the others were taken back to Stromness, where the life-boat arrived at 11.45 A.M. She had been on service for eleven and a half hours.— Rewards, £23 17s.
Portrush, Co. Antrim.—At 7.52 A.M.
on the 10th March the coastguard reported that the s.s. Jeannette, of Rotterdam, bound for Coleraine with a cargo of chemical manure, had been holed in trying to enter River Bann, and was making for Portrush escorted by two shoreboats. The wind was light, and the sea calm. It was found impossible to beach the Jeannette in the harbour or the bay, and it was decided to take her to Moville, Loch Foyle. The master asked for the motor life-boat T.B.B.H. to escort her, and she was launched at 10.12 A.M.
She accompanied the Jeannette to Moville, and there the Jeannette was safely beached, her after-hold then being nearly three parts full of water.
The life-boat crew went ashore and had a meal before returning home, and the life-boat eventually arrived back at her station at 5.15 P.M.—Rewards, £11 195. 9d.
Portaskaig, Islay.—During the morn- ing of the llth March the mail steamer Pioneer, of Glasgow, left Port- askaig for West Loch Tarbert. She had mail and twenty-two persons on board. When she was about eight miles east of Macarthur's Head light- house her engines broke down, and she signalled for help. A strong east gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea and showers of snow. The signals were seen by the coastguard, and the motor life- boat Charlotte Elizabeth was launched at noon. She found the Pioneer drifting. The master dropped anchor, but she continued to drag until a second anchor was dropped. Two other steamers arrived, but as the Pioneer was in a dangerous position the life- boat stood by. She put back to her station at 12.50 A.M. on the 12th to refuel, and set out again at 1.30 A.M.
She continued to stand by until the Pioneer had repaired her engines, and finally returned to her station at 9.30 A.M., twenty-one and a half hours after she had first put out. The owners expressed their thanks and made a donation to the Institution and a gift of money to the crew.—Rewards, £34 5s.
Whitby, Yorkshire.—The fishing fleet put to sea early in the morning of the llth March, but the weather got bad, and by 11 A.M. all but three boats had returned. A strong east breeze was blowing, with a heavy sea and heavy showers of snow. The motor life-boat Margaret Harker Smith was launched at noon, when the motor fishing boat Gallilee could be seen off the harbour, and escorted her in through the dangerous entrance. She put off again and this time brought in the Victory. She was then moored to the Fish Quay until 2.45 P.M., when the third boat, the Provider, was seen, and going out for the third time she escorted her in. She returned to her station at 3.30 P.M.—Rewards, £9 4s. Qd.
Scarborough, Yorkshire.—During the afternoon of the 12th March the weather got very bad, and several of the local boats at sea returned to harbour. One boat, the Margaret, was still to come, and the motor life-boat Herbert Joy II was launched, at 4.35 P.M. A moderate E.S.E. breeze was then blowing, with a very rough sea, and visibility was poor, owing to heavy rain. After the life-boat had been at sea for half an hour the coastguard signalled that the Margaret was approaching. The life- boat met her about a mile to the N.E., escorted her safely into harbour, and returned to her station at 5.40 P.M.
—Rewards, £19 Qs.
Clovelly, Devon.—Shortly before half- past eight in the morning of the 14th March the Hartland Point coastguard telephoned that a small cabin cruiser was flying what appeared to be a large red flag, and was drifting S.W. two miles from Hartland Point. She was the motor vessel Lerina, of Instow, with a crew of three on board, taking stores to Lundy Island. Her engine had broken down. A strong N.N.E.breeze was blowing, with a heavy sea, and the weather was thick and cold.
The motor life-boat City of Nottingham was launched at 8.30 A.M., and found the Lerina off Bude, with two small sails set. The life-boat hailed her and was asked by the master to stand by, as he was trying to make Padstow.
Later on the fife-boat took her in tow, and Padstow was reached at 4.20 P.M.
The life-boat arrived back at Clovelly early in the morning of the 15th, but could not be rehoused until 5.30 A.M.
owing to low water and heavy seas.— Property Salvage Case.
Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—At 9.55 A.M.
on the 15th March a message was re- ceived that a barge about half a mile south of Low Way buoy had been dis- masted. A west breeze was blowing, with a very rough sea. The reserve motor life-boat J. B. Proudfoot, on temporary duty, was launched at 10.15 A.M., and found the barge to be the Norseman with two men on board.
All her sailing-gear was over the side.
She towed her into safety, and returned to her station at 3.35 P.M., but owing to the heavy seas, could not be rehoused until 6 P.M.—Property Salvage Case.
Ballycotton, Co. Cork.—At 11.50 A.M.
on the 16th March the Civic Guard telephoned that a man had reported a sailing vessel in difficulties in Bally- croneen Bay. A moderate southerly gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea and squalls of rain. The motor life-boat Mary Stanford was launched at noon, shipping very heavy seas on her way to the bay. Three miles W.S.W. of Ballycotton lighthouse she found the motor ketch Garlingstone, of Milford Haven, trying, with the help of her auxiliary engine, to beat out of the bay. The life-boat stood by while she managed slowly to get away from the shore, and kept with her until she was about three miles out. The Garlingstone was then out of danger and the life-boat made for her station, arriving at 3 P.M.—Rewards, £7 7s. 6d.
Lytham-St. Annes, Lancashire.—Early in the afternoon of the 16th March the auxiliary yacht Chantecler, of Lytham, broke away from her moorings. A strong east breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea. As no one was on board the yacht, the motor life-boat J.H.W. was launched at 2.45 P.M. to secure her. She found that she had grounded about two and a half miles west of the pier, and returned to her station at 4.30 P.M. to wait until flood tide. At 11.30 P.M. she put out again, towed the yacht back, and returned to her station at 2 A.M. on the 17th:— Property Salvage Case.
Appledore, Devon.—During the even- ing of the 16th March Croyde coastguard reported that a vessel between Morte Point and Lundy Island was burning flares. A moderate and increasing south breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea. The vessel was the motor fishing boat Kenilworth Castle, of Ilfracombe, which had left Appledore for Ilfracombe earlier in the evening with two men on board. Her engine had broken down and, having no sails or oars on board, she was drifting, helpless. The motor life-boat V.C.S.
was launched at 8.2 P.M. and found her four miles N.N.E. of Baggy Point.
She towed her into Ilfracombe, arriving at 11.35 P.M., and it was decided that the life-boat should not return to Appledore immediately, as she had damaged her steering-gear. She was taken back to her station on the 19th.
—Rewards, £36 2,9. 7d.
Teignmouth, Devon.—At 3.25 P.M. on the 17th March the coastguard reported that a small boat, with one man on board, had been carried out of the har- bour by the strong ebb tide, and was in difficulty. A strong S.S.W. breeze was blowing, with a rough sea and heavy rain. The pulling and sailing life-boat Henry Finlay put out at 3.30 P.M. and found the boat about three miles S.E. of Teignmouth. The man was rescued, but his boat was smashed in the heavy seas, and had to be abandoned. The life-boat returned to her station at 5 P.M.—Rewards, £14 12s.
Holyhead, Anglesey.—On March 22nd the motor life-boat A.E.D. rescued 59 men from the s.s. Marie Moller, of Shanghai, when she was on fire.— Rewards, £10 18s. 6d. (A full account of this service appeared in the last issue of The Life-boat.)Holy Island, Northumberland. — On the morning of the 25th March the coastguard reported that a small boat belonging to the tug Dunelm, with a boy on board, was drifting seawards from the harbour. A N.N.W. breeze was blowing, with a rough sea on the bar. At 9.30 P.M. the motor life-boat Milburn was launched, and after search- ing for a short time she found the boat in difficulties near rough water. She towed it back to harbour and returned- to her station at 10.30 P.M.—Rewards, £15 7s. 6d.
Filey, Yorkshire.—The pulling and sail- ing life-boat Hollon the Third was launched at 7.55 A.M. on the 26th March, as two fishing cobles were at sea in a dangerous position and the weather had got bad. A moderate north breeze was blowing, with a very rough sea. The life- boat met the cobles a little north of Brig End, escorted them into harbour, and returned to her station at 10 A.M.— Rewards, £15 14s. 6d.
Appledore, Devon.—During the after- noon of the 29th March the motor barge Invincible, of Appledore, was swamped when between Middle Ridge and Bar Buoy in the Torridge estuary. She carried a crew of three, and was bound for Appledore, laden with sand. The Westward Ho coastguard reported that she was flying distress signals, and the motor life-boat V.C.S. was launched at 4.40 P.M. She found the barge submerged, rescued the three men, one of whom had been injured by being thrown against the companion by a heavy sea, and returned to her station at 5.5 P.M.—Rewards, £9 6s. Qd.
Flamhorough, Yorkshire.—At about 10 P.M. on the 2nd April the coxswain received information of a steamer blowing, and believed to be ashore.
The weather was very foggy and a S.E.
wind was blowing, with a heavy swell.
Searchers found the vessel about a mile and a half west of the station, and the No. 2 pulling and sailing life-boat, Jane Hannah MacDonald, was launched at 10.45 P.M. She was rowed to the position and there found the motor vessel Reja, of Groningen, carrying a crew of about six, and bound with a cargo of scrap-iron from London to Grangemouth. The life-boat stood by until 5 A.M. on the 3rd and then ran out a kedge anchor with 150 yards of wire rope. At 8 A.M. the Reja was successfully refloated and anchored in the bay. The life-boat returned to her station again at 9 A.M.—-Property Salvage Case.
Thurso, Caithness-shire. — The Grimsby trawler Thomas Thresher, bound for Iceland, put into Scrabster harbour at 9 P.M. on the 2nd April to get medical attention for one of her crew.
She left again at 11.15 P.M. and shortly after rah ashore on Holborn Head. A moderate S.E. breeze was blowing, with a rough sea, and visibility was poor. The Thomas Thresher's signals were seen, and the motor life-boat H.C.J. put out at 12.10 A.M. on the 3rd.
She found that the trawler had refloated, but had gone aground again on Scarf Rock. The life-boat took off nine of the crew, but the captain and four others stayed on board. With the life-boat's help the trawler refloated.
She was leaking badly, but managed to get into Scrabster, with the life-boat in attendance. The life-boat stood by until she was safely moored, and re- turned to her station at 2.45 A.M. The Grimsby Steam Fishing Vessels Mutual Insurance and Protecting Co., Ltd., made a donation to the Institution.—• Rewards, £10 4s.
Galway Bay, Co. Galway.—On the night of the 3rd April a doctor asked for the services of the motor life-boat William Evans to take a patient to the mainland for an immediate operation.
A moderate east breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea, and the weather was thick. The life-boat put off at 9 P.M., landed the patient at Galway, where an ambulance was waiting, and arrived back at her station at 4.30 A.M. on the 4th.—Expenses paid by the County of Galway Board of Health.
Port Erin, Isle of Man.—At 3 A.M. on the 4th April the coastguard reported that a steamer off the Calf of Man was sounding her siren, as if in distress. The wind was light and the sea smooth, but there was a very thick fog. The motor life-boat Ethel Day Card-well was launched at 3.30 A.M. and found the s.s. Ben Varrey, of Ramsey, making for Port Erin, going very slowly. Shewas bound from Garston for Peel with a cargo of coal, but had struck the Stack Rock and was leaking badly.
The life-boat escorted her into harbour, and returned to her station at 4.20 A.M.—Rewards, £13 16s.
Humber, Yorkshire.—At 7.38 P.M. on the 6th April the Donna Nook coast- guard reported that a vessel was ashore north of Donna Nook beacon.
A gentle breeze was blowing, with a slight swell, but there was a very dense fog. The motor life-boat City of Bradford II was launched at 8.15 P.M., and feeling her way through the fog, found the steam trawler Sir John Lister, of Hull, hard aground on Haile Sand, with her head to sea. The life- boat stood by, and later she ran out an anchor from the trawler. The trawler then heaved on it with her winch and hauled herself off into deep water. Owing to the dense fog, the master decided to remain at anchor, and as the trawler was no longer in danger, the life-boat made for her station. She got back at 1.30 A.M.
on the 7th.—Property Salvage Case.
Portpatrick, Wigtownshire.—At 3.20 A.M. on the 6th April the coastguard telephoned that a vessel was ashore N.E. of Crammag Head. The wind was light and the sea smooth, but there was a thick fog. The new motor life- boat Jeanie Speirs was launched at 3.45 A.M., and found the s.s. Lairdsbank, of Glasgow, on the rocks. The Lairdsbank was bound laden from Londonderry for Heysham and carried a crew of twenty-two. At the master's request the life-boat took off seven men, and stood by while an attempt was made to refloat her. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the life-boat returned to her station at 11 A.M. to refuel and land the seven men. At 12.45 P.M. she put out again. She took off one more man, stood by for some hours until the Lairdsbank refloated, and returned finally to her station at 10.10 P.M. She had been at sea for nearly seventeen hours.—Rewards, £23 7*. 6d.
Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.—At 9.55 P.M.
on the 6th April the coastguard reported that a steamer was ashore three- quarters of a mile west of St. Catherine's Point. She was the Italian Luigi Accame, of Genoa, bound with a cargo of iron ore from Bona to Rotterdam, and carrying a crew of twenty-nine.
She had gone aground in thick fog and was badly holed. A light southerly breeze was blowing, with a heavy swell, and visibility was nil, owing to fog and rain. The motor life-boat S.G.E. was launched at 10.15 P.M., and found the •Luigi Accame aground at Rocken End, waterlogged. The crew were just get- ting the ship's boats away. They were taken into the life-boat, which returned to her station at 5.15 A.M. on the 7th.
The Luigi Accame was refloated about two months later. The Italian Consul sent a letter to the coxswain, expressing the thanks of the Italian Government, and the Institution also sent a letter of appreciation. The owners made a donation of £25 to the Institution.— Rewards, £8.
Selsey, Sussex.—At about 8.25 A.M.
on the 8th of April the coastguard re- ported that the fishing boat L.I.47 had capsized about two miles W.S.
W. of Selsey Bill, and that another fishing boat was near - by. A squally W.S.W. breeze was blowing, with a slight swell, and visibility was very poor, owing to fog banks and rain squalls. The motor life- boat Canadian Pacific was launched at 8.40 A.M. and found that the two men who had been thrown into the sea from the capsized boat had been rescued by the other fishing boat. One of the men was ex-Coxswain Frederick Barnes, of the Selsey life-boat, aged 67, and the other was 80 years old. The life-boat towed the boat with rescuers and rescued back to Selsey, and then went out again and towed in [he capsized boat. She arrived back at her station at 10.30 A.M. — Rewards, life-boat £5 17s. 6d., shoreboat £2, and 2s. 6d.
for fuel used.
Dungeness, Kent.—During the night of the 9th April a message was received from the Royal Naval Shore Signal Station, Dungeness, that a large steamer was ashore near the point. She was the s.s. Anversville, of Antwerp, with about 200 persons on board, and was bound for the Belgian Congo. A freshS. by E. breeze was blowing, with a choppy sea. The No, 2 motor life-boat Charles Cooper Henderson was launched at 11.40 P.M., and found the Anvers- ville listing to port, and in danger of capsizing with the ebbing tide, as she was on the edge of a bank. She stood by all night, and at 9.5 next morn- ing the Anversville was refloated by tugs. The life-boat returned to her station at 9.15 A.M., having been on service for over nine and a half hours.— Rewards, £32 9.y. 6d.
The following life-boats were launched, but no services were rendered for the reasons given :— Portaskaig, Isle of Islay.—9th Feb- ruary. A trawler had struck a reef off Ardbeg, but a coasting steamer picked up her crew.—Rewards, £7 2s.
Kingstown, Co. Dublin.—llth March.
A schooner had gone aground, but became high and dry when the tide ebbed.-—Rewards, £8.
Fraserburgh, Aberdeensbire. — llth- 12th March. The steam trawler Belgaum, of Reykjavik, wirelessed for a doctor, but in the heavy snow she could not be found.—Rewards, £16 Us. 6d.
Portpatrick, Wigtownshire. — 12th March. The motor life-boat J. and W.
was launched at 1.30 P.M. as the coast- guard had reported that a vessel in Luce Bay was flying distress signals.
A strong S.E. gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea and a blinding snow- storm. The life-boat searched for some hours without finding any sign of a vessel in distress, and put in to Port- william for further information. It was learned that the s.s. Fermanagh, of Belfast, had grounded in Auchen- malg Bay, about six miles north, and did not then want any help. The life- boat therefore set out for her station, and arrived at 12.30 A.M. on the 13th, having been on service for eleven hours.
A letter of appreciation was sent to the branch.—Rewards, £19 15s. 6d.
Campbeltown, Argyllshire. — 12th March. A steamer had gone ashore, but got off.—Rewards, £15 18s.
Falmouth, Cornwall.—16th March.
An obsolete destroyer had driven ashore, but the watchman aboard her got ashore without help.—Rewards, £6 17s. 6d.
Penlee, Cornwall.—25th March. The engine of a fishing boat had broken down, but the boat was towed in by another fishing boat. — Rewards, £21 8s.
Sheringbam, Norfolk.—On the 27th March, at the request of the Chief Constable of Bedfordshire, the motor life-boat Foresters Centenary put out to search for the Duchess of Bedford who, some days before, had set out on a short trip by aeroplane, alone, and had not returned. A wide search for her by land had already been made without success, and on March 24th two Sheringham fishing boats found pieces of wood, four miles off Shering- ham, which were part of an aeroplane of the type which the Duchess was piloting. The life-boat searched for seven hours and found nothing. Some days later parts of an aeroplane which were definitely identified as the Duchess's were found at sea. The Duke of Bedford made a donation to cover the rewards. — Rewards, £23 8s. 3d.
Plymouth, Devon. — 9th April. A yacht was overdue, and the life-boat searched for her, but could not find her, as she had no lights. The owner sent a letter of thanks and a donation.— Rewards, £9 Is.
May Meeting.
Ramsgate,' Kent.—At 10 A.M. on the 7th April the motor life-boat Prudential put out for her monthly practice run.
A moderate S.W. breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea. The life-boat made towards the Brake light-vessel, on the Goodwin Sands, and saw a vessel at anchor near the Middle Brake. She was flying a Dutch ensign at half mast, and flames were seen coming through the hatchway. The life-boat went to her and found her to be the auxiliary yawl Valross, bound, with two persons on board, from Denmark to Dover.
Her engine had broken down and she had anchored. Later her propeller had become fouled and a faulty petrol-feed pipe had caught fire. The life-boattowed her in to Ramsgate harbour, and returned to her station at 11.20 A.M.— Rewards, £2 10s.
Ramsgate, Kent.—During the morn- ing of the 10th April the Brake light- vessel, on the Goodwin Sands, reported, through the coastguard, that a steamer was aground about a mile and a half E.
half S. from her. A moderate S.S.W.
breeze was blowing, with rain showers.
The sea was smooth. The motor life- boat Prudential was launched at 11.54 A.M., and found the s.s. Siidsee, of Bremerhaven, at anchor about three miles E. by S. of the light-vessel. She had hit the sands, but had screwed off into deep water again. The life-boat stood by for some time, while the Siidsee hove up her anchor and got clear of the sands. She returned to her station at 3.20 P.M.—Rewards, £5 8s.
Anstruther, Fifeshire.—At 6.20 A.M.
on the 13th April the coastguard telephoned that an SOS had been received from a vessel ashore on May Island. She was the steamer Island, of Copenhagen, bound, with about sixty-seven passengers and crew on board, from Copenhagen for the Faroes and Iceland. She had struck in a bad position on the S.E. side of the island, and was making water. The motor life-boat Nellie and Charlie was launched at 6.38 A.M., and reached the steamer about half an hour later.
She took off twenty-five passengers and landed them at Anstruther at 8.45 A.M.
At 10 A.M. she put out again, taking back two men, members of a scientific expedition, who had valuable apparatus and records on board, and who wanted to see to the recovery of them. She took off two more passengers and the greater part of the passengers' luggage, and returned to Anstruther at 12.45 P.M. The captain of the Island had asked the life-boat to return to him, and so at 1.55 P.M. she put out for the third time. She found that the Fishery Board cruiser Brenda had arrived some time earlier and was taking off the remaining passengers, crew and mail-bags. The life-boat stood by, and later took the captain, mate and two of the crew of the Avrecked steamer from the Brenda and landed them on May Island. She then made for home and arrived at her station again at 6.10 P.M.—Rewards, £5 19s and Property Salvage Case.
Aberdeen.—At 9.27 P.M. on the 15th April the Gregness coastguard tele- phoned that a vessel was in distress off Berryhill. A later message said that she was about a mile N.E. of the Bridge of Don, apparently aground, and was firing rockets. A moderate easterly breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea, and the weather was thick. The No. 1 motor life-boat Emma Constance was launched at 9.50 P.M., and found the vessel to be the steam trawler Paul Rykens, of Aberdeen, on her way home from Iceland. She carried a crew of thirteen. The life-boat anchored, veered in, and passed two lines to her.
The master said that he wished to remain on board, and asked the life- boat to stand by. This she did. On the flood tide she took on board a tow- rope from the trawler, and after about an hour, with both vessels working their engines, the trawler was refloated.
During the whole of this time heavy breaking surf was washing the trawler's decks. She made for Aberdeen under her own steam, and the life-boat returned to her station, arriving there at 2.30 A.M. on the 16th.—Property Salvage Case.
Whitby, Yorkshire.—At about 9 A.M.
on the 25th April the motor fishing coble Enterprize, with a crew of three, put to sea. A stiff breeze was blowing, and the sea was moderate. During the morning the sea rose rapidly, and made the entrance to the harbour very dangerous for a small coble. At about 11.30 A.M. the Enterprize was seen about three miles northward, and the No. 2 pulling and sailing life-boat, Jacob and Rachael Vallentine, put out to meet her.
When rowing out of the harbour the life-boat shipped some big seas, and an oar was broken. She lay to for about half an hour and then rowed out, met the Enterprize, and handed life-belts to her crew. She escorted her safely into harbour, and returned to her station at 1.45 P.M.—Rewards, £8 18s.
Margate, Kent.—At about 9.50 A.M.
on the 25th April the coastguard telephoned that a motor yacht was introuble and was drifting ashore. She was the San Toy, of London, bound there from Ramsgate, with a man and a boy on board. Her engine had broken down, and her propeller fouled, and she was drifting towards the rocks.
A strong E.N.E. breeze was blowing, with a rough sea. The motor life-boat Lord Southborough (Civil Service No. 1) was launched at 10.5 A.M. and found the San Toy about a mile east of Margate pier. She put two men on board and towed her into safety. In boarding the yacht one of the men fell into the sea, but he was not hurt and was quickly hauled back into the life- boat. The yacht was moored in the harbour, and the life-boat returned to her station at 10.35 A.M., although she could not be rehoused until 4.15 P.M.
on account of the rough sea.—Property Salvage Case.
Gourdon, Kincardineshire.—At about 9 A.M. on the 2nd May the coastguard reported that a motor vessel was ashore near Johnshaven. A gentle south breeze was blowing, and the sea was smooth, but there was a dense fog.
The motor life-boat Margaret Dawson was launched at 9.15 A.M., and found the motor vessel Dr. Colyn, of Delfzyl, bound from Rotterdam to Aberdeen with a cargo of superphosphate, ashore opposite the north end of Johnshaven village. The life-boat stood by for some time and, as the Dr. Colyn was not in immediate danger, returned to, Gourdon at 11.35 A.M., so that the men could get dry clothes and provisions.
She put out again at 2.15 P.M., and stood by until the Dr. Colyn refloated, under her own power, at 6.53 P.M. The life-boat then got a rope on board and kept her from regrounding until she got an anchor secured. The life-boat escorted her towards Aberdeen until the master said that he was not in need of further help, and returned to her station at 8.15 P.M.—Rewards, £19 18s. 6d.
Dungeness, Kent.—At 7.25 A.M. on the 8th May news was received from the coastguard that an S O S had been sent out by a steamer twelve miles S.W. by W. from Dungeness. She was the London steamer Willesden, a vessel of 4,881 tons, carrying a crew of twenty, and bound, laden from Antwerp to Spain. The motor life-boat Charles Cooper Henderson put out at 8 A.M., the weather being foggy, with a moderate sea and a light E.N.E. wind. The Willesden—which had been in collision with another British steamer—the Thistteglen—was badly holed, with water in the stokehold and engine-room.
Two boats were over the side with part of the crew in them. Sixteen men were taken into the life-boat. Later tugs arrived and, with the help of the life-boat, got the Willesden in tow and beached her at Jury's Gap. Her crew then returned to her. The life-boat left, reaching her station again at 10.30 P.M.—Property Salvage Case.
Lowestoft, Suffolk.—On the morning of the 10th May signals of distress were seen by the coastguard, and the reserve life-boat City of Bradford I, on tempo- rary duty at the station, was launched at 10.18 A.M. Visibility was poor, and a light E.S.E. wind was blowing, with a moderate ground swell. The life-boat found a motor boat, belonging to H.M.S. Fitzroy, engaged on survey work. She had been badly holed by striking a submerged groyne, and her crew of eight men were trying hard to keep her afloat. Some of the life-boat crew went aboard to help in the work of baling. The leak was stopped as far as possible with canvas and sacking, and, lashed to the life-boat, the motor boat was taken to Lowestoft, where she was handed over to H.M.S. Fitzroy.
The life-boat returned to her station at 11.30 A.M.—Rewards, £14 10s.
The Humber, Yorkshire.—The motor life-boat City of Bradford II was launched at 10.30 A.M. on the llth May in response to a message received from the Humber Conservancy that a vessel had collided with the Bull light-vessel during a fog. The sea was moderate, with a fresh E.N.E. wind blowing.
The life-boat found that the light- vessel had been damaged, but above the water-line. She returned and reported to the Conservancy.—Permanent paid crew.
Southend-on-Sea, Essex. — At 12.30 A.M. on the 18th May the life-boat station received information from the pierhead that flares had been seenfrom the lower end of the Nore Sands.
The sea was rough, with a fresh wind blowing. The reserve motor life-boat J. B. Proudfoot, on temporary duty at the station, put out at 1 A.M. and found the motor yacht Evadne, of Glasgow, ashore, with a party of ten people on board. As the yacht was bumping badly, five women were taken off and landed at Southend pier.
Returning to the stranded yacht, the life-boat stood by until she refloated, but her engine would not work, so the life-boat towed her to a safe anchorage by the pier.—Property Salvage Case.
Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Nor- folk.—The motor life-boat John and Mary Meiklam of Gladswood was launched at 12.56 A.M. on the 20th May in response to signals from the St.
Nicholas light-vessel which had been seen by the coastguard. A light S.S.E. breeze was blowing, with a swell on the sands, and the weather was foggy. The light-vessel reported that a vessel was aground to the N.E. by E., and the life-boat found the motor vessel Ferrocrete, of London, aground on Scroby Sands, with a crew of five aboard. The master decided to try and get oft on the flood tide, and the life-boat stood by. The Ferrocrete refloated unaided and went into Yar- mouth Roads. The life-boat returned to her station at 5.30 A.M.—Rewards, £19 6s.
The following life-boats were launched, but no services were rendered for the reasons given : Donagbadee, Co. Down.—7th April.
A report had been received of a collision off Blackhead, and the life-boat had gone to Blackhead, Co. Antrim. It was then found that it was Blackhead, Wigtownshire, on the Scottish coast.
On arriving there, the life-boat found only wreckage. She put into Port- patrick, and there learned that one steamer had foundered, but the other had rescued all except two of her crew. The owners made a donation of £10 to the Institution.—Rewards, £11.
St. Peter Port, Guernsey.—13th April.
A motor vessel had collided with the beacon on Platte Rock, but must have gone on her way, as she could not be found.—Rewards, £9 Is.
', The Humber, Yorkshire.—14th April.
Two steamers had been in collision twenty miles away, but could not be found in a dense fog. One foundered, her crew being rescued by a near-by steamer, and the other, although leak- ing, reached the Humber.—Permanent paid crew ; Rewards, 9s.
Thurso, Caithness-shire. — 15th-16th April. A fishing boat was missing, but could not be found. Next day she was reported ashore, upside-down, atDunnet Head. There the life-boat found her, but no trace of her crew.—Rewards, £7 12s. and £9 17s.
Arranmore, Co. Donegal.—16th April.
A small boat with a crew of two had been reported drifting on to the rocks.
The boat had gone ashore and the men had been rescued before the life-boat arrived.—Rewards, £7 11s.
Weymouth, Dorset.—19th April. A small yacht had stranded on the break- water, but was towed off by a motor launch.—Rewards, £8 15s.
Troon, Ayrshire.—28th April. A large steamer had stranded a mile north of Dunure, but got off just as the life-boat arrived, and did not want any help.— Rewards, £4 10s. 6d.
The Humber, Yorkshire.—29th April.
A steamer reported by wireless that she had been in collision with the Bull light- vessel, but the life-boat found that the light-vessel did not need help.— Permanent paid crew.
Ramsgate, Kent.—1st May. A yacht had capsized, but a motor boat picked up the crew.—Rewards, £4 8s.
Peterhead, Aberdeen.—2nd May. A telephone message was received from a man that he had heard on his wireless receiver a trawler calling Wick Radio to get into touch with the life-boat, as another trawler was ashore north of Buchan Ness. The trawler was found to be in no immediate danger and refloated later.—Rewards, £10 3s.
Stornoway, Island of Lewis. — 5th May. Two fishing boats from Bayble were out and anxiety was felt for them, but they got to safety unaided.— Rewards, £4 7s. 6dShoreham Harbour, Sussex. — llth May. It was reported that rockets had been seen and that a boat was in difficulties, but nothing could be found.
-—Rewards, £11 4s.
Cromer, Norfolk. — 12th May. A steamer had stranded, but got off unaided.—Rewards, £8 14s.
Cromer, Norfolk. — 13th May. A French steamer had been in collision with the Cromer Knoll light-vessel, but a Trinity House steamer had gone to her help.—Rewards, £8 14s.
Lowestoft, Suffolk.—17th May. A boat belonging to a Government ship engaged on survey work had got into difficulties, but a fishing boat took her in tow.—Rewards, £14 10s.
Anstruther, Fife.—18th May A vessel had gone ashore near Fife Ness, but got off again.—Rewards, £5 16s.
June Meeting.
Dungeness, Kent.—At 1.50 P.M. on the 21st May a local boatman reported a small motor yacht in difficulties. A moderate W.S.W. gale was blowing, with a rough sea. The yacht was the Hyperion, of Harwich. She had been taken in tow by a Dutch motor yacht, the Vigilanter, of Rotterdam, but when they were about half a mile off the lighthouse she had broken adrift and her mast had carried away. The motor life-boat Charles Cooper Hender- son was launched at 3 P.M. She found the Hyperion waterlogged and swept by heavy seas. Her crew of two had been taken on board the Vigilanter, and the only man on board the Hyperion was one of the Vigilanter''s crew. The life-boat rescued him. In the lee of Dungeness Point she returned him to the Vigilanter, took on board the two men of the Hyperion, and, after picking up their yacht, returned ashore at 4.25 P.M.
The Institution sent a letter to the coxswain, D. Oilier, expressing appre- ciation of this smart service, and an increase in the usual money award on the standard scale was granted to him and to each member of the life-boat crew.—Rewards, £14 18s. 6d.
Bembridge, Isle of Wight.—The motor life-boat Langham was launched at 11.22 A.M. on the 22nd May, as inform- ation had been received through the coastguard that the yacht Bendilaw, of Portsmouth, was in a dangerous posi- tion near Sandown pier. A moderate S.S.W. gale was blowing, the sea was very heavy, and sleet was falling. The life-boat reached the Bendilow at 12.15 P.M., rescued her crew, two men and a woman, and landed them at Bembridge at 2.25 P.M.—Rewards, £5 5s. 6d. .
Port St. Mary, Isle of Man.—On the morning of the 26th May the motor vessel Ross, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, bound from Glasgow to Liverpool, ran on the rocks on the north side of the Calf of Man. She had a crew of twenty-six, seven passengers, and a cargo of grain. The sea was calm and there was no wind, but there was a thick fog. A Port Erin fisherman reported the wreck, and the motor life-boat Sir Heath Harrison was launched at 8.30 A.M. She took off the seven passengers, and then stood by until 11.15 A.M., when the .Ross floated off. She was badly holed, but, with the life-boat escorting her, was able to get to an anchorage in Port Erin bay.
There the life-boat landed the pas- sengers, and reached her station again at 2 P.M.—Rewards, £11 7s.
Cloughey, Co. Down. — During the night of the 2nd June a small yacht was seen to be in difficulties off North Rock, and the motor life-boat William May- nard was launched at 11.5 P.M. There was no wind, and the sea was smooth.
The life-boat found the yacht Silveium, with two men on board, aground among the North Rock group with her rudder jammed. She stood by and the Silveium floated off on the rising tide, but her owner found that he could not clear the rocks, and asked for a tow to a safe anchorage. The life-boat towed the yacht into Cloughey bay, and returned to her station at 3.15 A.M.— Rewards, £13 15s. 6d.
Staithes, Yorkshire. — Early on the morning of the 3rd June five local fishing cobles put out to the fishing ground to haul crab pots. The weather was fine, but there was a strong searunning. The sea increased until there was considerable risk to the cobles in making harbour, and the pulling and sailing life-boat John Anthony was launched at 9.45' A.M. She stood by until all the cobles had got safely in, and returned to her station at 11.30 A.M.—Rewards, £7 15*.
The following life-boats were launched, but no services were rendered for the reasons given : Watchet, Somerset.—llth May. A boat from the s.s. Niord, of Gothen- burg, had tried to reach the harbour in a N.E. gale. She got into difficulties, but made Minehead without help.
Later the life-boat put the men back on their ship.—Rewards, £18 7s.
Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire. — 18th May. A search was made for a fishing boat which had been last seen twenty- seven miles to the N.N.E. She could not be found, but she made Buckie safely next morning.—Rewards, £9 135.
Bembridge, Isle of Wight.—21st May.
A small yacht had been seen appar- ently in difficulties, but she entered Chichester Harbour without help.—• Rewards, £4 13s.
Ramsgate, Kent. — 21st May. A steam trawler had been reported ashore' on the Brake Sands, but she had refloated arid gone on her way.-—• Rewards, £5 8s.
Holybead, Anglesey.—22nd May. A small boat had been lost sight of during a squall. She had got ashore in a small cove.—Rewards, £4 7s. 6d.
Kirkcudbright.—24th May. A yacht had been disabled by an engine break- down, but her crew had beached her and got safely ashore.—Rewards, £4 19s.
Bembridge, Isle of Wight—26th May.
A small yacht had been reported in difficulties, but it was found that she did not need any help.—Rewards, £5 5s. 6d.
Exmoutb, Devonshire.—26th May. A small dinghy was reported as not having returned, but after an unsuccessful search it was found that she had been at anchor in the river.—Rewards, £22 8s.
July Meeting.
Montrose, Angus.—On the afternoon of the 22nd May three officers from the R.A.F. Training School were thrown into the sea by the swamping of their open boat when they were trying to cross the bar at the entrance to the River Southesk. The weather was fine, with a moderate S.E. breeze blowing, but there was a rough sea on the bar. The motor life-boat was off service for overhaul and the surf pulling and sailing life-boat Marianne Atherstone was launched at 3.50 P.M.
One man was picked up unconscious by the life-boat and landed. A search, in which other boats joined, was made for the other two men, but without success, and the life-boat returned at 6 P.M.—Rewards, £13.
Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—Soon after 8 P.M. on the 12th June messages were received from the coastguard and the Royal Naval Signal Station that a steamer with 120 passengers on board had been beached one mile west of South Shoebury buoy, following a collision. Wind and sea were calm, but there was a dense fog. The reserve motor life-boat J. B. Proudfoot, on temporary duty, was launched at 8.25 P.M., and found the steamer to be the Royal Archer, of Leith. She had been badly holed. The life-boat took off forty-nine of the passengers and landed them at Southend. She then returned to the Royal Archer and stood by for some time in case her help was wanted.
She arrived back at her station at 5.30 A.M. on the 13th. Later in the day the Royal Archer was towed to London by tugs.—Rewards, £17 4s.
Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—On the night of the 18th June the coastguard reported that a motor yacht off the harbour was in need of help. A moderate to fresh S.W. breeze was blowing, with a fairly rough sea. The motor life-boat Rosa Woodd and Phyllis Lunn was launched at 10.30 P.M., and found the motor yacht Sea Girl, ofShoreham, with a crew of four, a mile and a half S.E. of the harbour. Her propeller and steering-gear had been fouled and she was out of control. The life-boat towed her into harbour, and returned to her station at 11.15 P.M.—• Property Salvage Case.
Coverack, Cornwall.—At 12.30 A.M.
on the 22nd June the coastguard reported that four visitors, two men and two women, had put out in a motor boat during the previous afternoon and had not returned. A light breeze was blowing, and the sea was smooth.
Enquiries were made along the coast, but nothing could be learned, and the motor life-boat The Three Sisters was launched at 1 A.M. She found the motor boat, helpless owing to a broken propeller shaft, about a mile south of Blackhead. The four people were in a very distressed condition. The life- boat took them on board and towed the boat back to harbour. She returned to her station at 2 A.M.—Rewards, £10 6s.
Anstruther, Fifeshire.—On the morn- ing of the 27th June a motor boat left Methil, with seven people on board, pleasure fishing. At 9.48 A.M. the coastguard reported that she had gone ashore in Largo bay, but as the coast- guard life-saving apparatus was in attendance, the motor life-boat Nellie and Charlie was not launched. At 12.9 P.M. the coastguard asked that the life-boat might be launched, and she put out six minutes later. A moderate W.S.W. breeze was blowing, with a slight swell. The life-boat found the motor boat west of Kincraig Point.
The seven people had been taken ashore by the life-saving apparatus, but the boat was entangled in salmon nets. The life-boat freed her, towed her into Elie harbour, and returned to her station at 2.30 P.M.—Rewards, £5 16s.
Swanage, Dorset.—At 4.30 A.M. on the 4th July the coastguard reported that a vessel five miles west of Portland Bill was firing rockets. A strong breeze to moderate gale was blowing from the S.W., with a very heavy sea. The motor life-boat Thomas Markby, which had returned only a few hours before from another service call (which will be reported in a later issue), put out at 5.15 A.M. After a very rough passage she reached the scene and found that the Admiralty tug St. Just had taken in tow the converted life-boat Pau- Amma, which had been in great danger of driving ashore. The Pau-Amma was bound for Yarmouth, and had two people on board. The St. Just passed the tow to the life-boat, which made for Weymouth. Twice the line parted, but eventually the life-boat got the Pau-Amma safely into Weymouth har- bour. After the crew had had some refreshment the life-boat made for home, arriving at 4.20 P.M. She had been absent for over eleven hours. In view of the length and arduous nature of the service a letter of appreciation was sent to the coxswain and crew, and an increase in the usual money award on the standard scale was granted to the coxswain and each member of the crew.—Rewards, £13 6s.
Margate, Kent.—The reserve motor life-boat J. B. Proudfoot. on temporary duty at this station, was .launched at 8.20 A.M. on the 4th July as the coast- guard had reported that a small sailing boat, with her sails blown away, was flying a signal of distress, about a mile and a half east of Margate jetty. A W.S.W. breeze was blowing, with a choppy sea. The life-boat picked up the boat—the Lulu, of Broadstairs, with one man on board-—and towed her into harbour. She returned to her station at 9.20 A.M.—Rewards, £6 4s.
The following life-boats were launched, but no services were rendered for the reasons given : Southend-OD'Sea, Essex. — 8th June.
A boy was adrift in a small boat, but was picked up by a passing vessel.— Rewards, £10 Is. 6d.
Poole and Bournemouth, Dorset.— 10th June. A small yacht was in distress, but was towed in by a motor boat.—Rewards, £17 9s. 6d.
Skegness, Lincolnshire. —• llth June.
An aeroplane had been reported to have come down in the sea, but nothing could be found.—Rewards, £6 11s. 6d.Donaghadee, Co. Down.—12th June.
A small boat with three young men on board had been reported overdue, but eventually made land at Carrickfergus.
—Rewards, £8 18s. 6d.
Walton and Frinton, Essex. — 14th June. Flares had been reported, but nothing could be found.—Rewards, £15.
Fowey, Cornwall. — 15th June. A man and a woman in a rowing boat had been reported overdue. Their boat capsized, but they had managed to get ashore and sheltered for the night in a cave.—Rewards, £8 155.
Wick, Caithness-shire.—21st June. A steam trawler had gone ashore during dense fog, but got off without help.— Rewards, £10 12s.
Shoreham Harbour, Sussex. — 22nd June. A motor boat had been reported on fire, but nothing could be found.— Rewards, £3 17s. 6d.
Moelfre, Anglesey.—23rd June. A boating accident had been reported in Cemaes Bay, but it was found that what had appeared to be a capsized boat was a shoal of porpoises.— Rewards, £10 5s.
Fleetwood, Lancashire.—27th June.
A canoe containing two men had capsized off Rossall Point. One got ashore, but before help could reach the other he was drowned.—Rewards, £5 Is.
Coverack, Cornwall.—1st July. A steamer had run aground in a fog, but got off without help.—Rewards, £10. 6s..