AEROPLANE CRASHED Lerwick, Shetlands—At 12.9 in the morning of January 3rd, 1947, an aero- plane could be heard flying round the town, and it dropped red flares. A strong southerly breeze was blowing, causing a rough sea, and as it appeared that the aeroplane might come down in I the sea the motor life-boat Lady Jane | and Martha Ryland was launched and went out a short distance in readiness for immediate action. At 2.30 the police reported that the crew of the aeroplane had baled out over Tingwall, and the life-boat was recalled, arriving at 3.0. It was then learned that all the crew were safe, but that the aero- plane had been wrecked. She was a Fortress belonging to the U.S.A. Air Force in Iceland, and had run out of petrol. At 2.35 in the afternoon of the same day the coastguard received a telephone message from Skellister that a small motor boat was at the entrance to Catfirth Voe Nesting, and apparently someone was on board.

The wind had now increased to a-storm, with mountainous seas, and visibility was poor. It was known that the American aeroplane had jettisoned her life-boat, but it was decided to investi- gate and the life-boat put out again at 3.5. She was recalled when the district officer of coastguard telephoned that the boat was, in fact, the aero- plane's life-boat, but the coxswain of the life-boat made certain that there was no one on board before he returned.

The life-boat got back to her station from what had been an arduous journey at 5.55 p.m.—Rewards, First service, £8 19*.; Second service, £8 15s..