Sunderland, Co. Durham.—At about P.M. on the 4th April, 1938, a pilot reported that a boat was in distress off Sunderland. She was the motor fishing boat Lilian, of North Shields, with a crew of two, in difficulties owing to the fouling of her propeller. A steamer had tried to get her in tow, but had failed and had damaged her own stem.

A strong, squally N.W. breeze was blowing, with a strong northerly swell.

The motor life-boat George and 'Isabella Irwin was launched at 4.80 P.M., and on the way out saw another motor fishing boat, the Hilda, of Sunderland, with a crew of two, in distress with her engine broken down. She towed both boats into safety, and returned to her station at 7.15 P.M. — Rewards, 7 15s. 6d..