AT 11.45 P.M. on the 14th January, 1938, the civic guard at Tramore, Co.

Waterford, reported that lights had been seen at sea, possibly from a ship in distress. The crew of the motor life-boat C. and S. was assembled, but a further message was received that there was no ship in distress, and they were dismissed at 1.45 A.M.

on the 15th. Later in the day a message was received in Dublin from Land's End Radio that the s.s. Re- public, of Houston, was drifting ashore south of Hook Point. This news was passed to Dunmore East. A strong south-westerly gale was then blowing, with a very heavy sea. The life-boat coxswain was ill. The second cox- swain was away from home. The assistant motor mechanic volunteered to take command, and the life-boat was launched at 9 A.M. For nearly three hours she was out in the gale and searched in every direction, but she could find no trace of the Republic.

She was continually swept by heavy seas, her cockpit was filled with water many times, and her crew reported that they were the worst seas they had ever experienced. The Institution has made the following awards ; To Mr. WILLIAM BOND, assistant motor mechanic, its thanks inscribed on vellum and framed, and £2 in addition to the money award of £l 4s. on the ordinary scale, in recognition of his action in taking command in very difficult circumstances ; To each of the other five members of the crew 10s. in addition to the money award of £1 4s. on the ordinary scale.

Standard rewards to the crew £6; additional rewards to the crew, £4 10s.; total rewards, £10 19s. 6d.