IN 1937 the coastguard organization took action in 314 cases in which vessels or aircraft were either observed or reported to be in distress, in difficul- ties, or overdue off the coasts of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

In 107 cases the coastguard was able to warn vessels, and so enable them to alter course and avoid possible disaster.

The breeches-buoy gear was taken out for action by the rocket life-saving apparatus companies on 72 occasions, and 54 persons were brought to safety by means of this appliance.

The Board of Trade's shield for the " best wreck service of the year " was awarded to the Rhossili Company for the rescue on the night of 10th January, 1937, of ten of the crew of the trawler Roche Castle, which went ashore on the rocky Gower coast, about twelve miles from Swansea..