Margate, .Kent, and Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—At about 3.55 A.M. on the llthFebruary, 1938, the Margate coastguard telephoned that Clacton coastguard had reported rockets near the Edinburgh Light-vessel. A north gale was bio wing, with a very rough sea. The life-boat crew assembled, and then the Tongue Light-vessel reported by wireless that the Edinburgh Light-vessel was firing distress signals. The motor life-boat Lord Southborough (Civil Service No. 1) was launched at 4.20 A.M.

and found that the light-vessel had broken adrift. She drifted towards Shingle Patch Buoy, where she was brought up by her anchors. The lifeboat went alongside, and the lightvessel's master asked her to send a wireless message for the Trinity Vessel Strathearn. She did so and then stood by until the Strathearn arrived. She returned to Margate at 9 A.M., but could not be rehoused, owing to the very bad weather. She was left at moorings and rehoused the following morning.

When it was known at Clacton-on-Sea that the Margate life-boat was going out in response to the Edinburgh Lightvessel's signals it was decided not to launch the motor life-boat Edward J.

Dresden, but at 4.12 A.M. the coastguard reported that the Mid-Barrow Lightvessel was firing distress signals, and the Clacton life-boat was launched at 4.50 A.M. She went to the Mid- Barrow, but found that she was making signals for the Edinburgh Light-vessel.; The Clacton life-boat then returned to her station, arriving at 9.50 A.M.—• Rewards : Margate, £24 6s.; Clacton, £23 5*. 3d..