Cromarty.—During the morning of the 21st December, 1937, the Helmsdale coastguard reported that they were trying to locate two small Helmsdale fishing boats, Linnet and Girl Pat, which had left Loch Fleet for Helmsdale at about 4 P.M. the previous day, but had not arrived. A moderate S.E. breeze was blowing, with a heavy ground swell. A message was received from the harbour-master at Portmahomack that a boat about three miles north of that place appeared to have had an engine breakdown, and the motor life-boat James Macfee was launched at 10.5 A.M. After searching for some time she found the Girl Pat, took her in tow, and then tried to find the Linnet. There was no sign of her, however, and the Girl Pat's engine having been restarted, the coxswain decided to escort her in to Helmsdale.They arrived there at 3 P.M., and shortly afterwards it was learned that the Linnet had been picked up by another vessel and towed to Portmahomack.

The life-boat left Helmsdale at 4.30 P.M.

and arrived back at her station at 9.30 P.M.—Rewards, £19 15*. 6d..