ENGLISH AND DANISH FISHING BOATS IN DISTRESS Runswick, and Whitby, Yorkshire.—At half-past one in the afternoon of the 17th of December, 1947, information was telephoned from Whitby to Runs- wick that the fishing boat Gem, belong- ing to Whitby, was in distress off Salt- burn and had asked by wireless for immediate help. The Runswick motor life-boat Robert Patton—The Always Ready was launched at 1.40 in a strong northerly wind with a heavy sea, and found the Gem north of Staithes, leaking badly. The life-boat and another fishing boat escorted the Gem southwards, while her crew baled and pumped to keep her afloat.

The Whitby No. 1 motor life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth had also been launched at 1.40. After going about ten miles she met the other boats and took over the escort from the Runswick life-boat, and the latter put back to her station, which she reached about half-past four. As the boats ap- proaehed Kettleness they saw distress signals from another fishing boat about three miles out and leaving the Gem, with her escorting fishing boat, to go on to Whitby, the life-boat went to her help and found the Danish motor fishing boat Tut at anchor. She was short of fuel. As the weather was getting worse the coxswain advised the skipper to make an effort, with sails, and what little fuel he had, to get into Whitby harbour. Another fishing boat led the way and the life- boat escorted the Tut into harbour, arriving at five o'clock.—Rewards, Runswick, £19 18*. 6d.; Whitby, £11 17*..