Douglas, Isle of Man.—At 1.80 A.M. on the 12th February, 1938, information was received at the life-boat station from the pier-master that a vessel was showing red lights off Douglas Head.

A strong westerly gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea and showers of sleet. The motor life-boat Manchester and Salford was launched at 2 A.M., and found the s.s. Ben Varrey, of Ramsey, in difficulties owing to trouble with her boiler. She had a crew of five on board, and was bound, light, from Douglas to Garston. At her master's request the life-boat came ashore with a message for the steamer's owners, and then returned to stand by her. At 7.30 A.M. the s.s. Sen Elian, a sister ship, arrived and took the Ben Varrey in tow. The life-boat then returned to her station, arriving at 9.30 A.M.— Rewards, £19 5s. 3d..