Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.—At about 7 o'clock in the evening of the 7th of April, 1948, a French fishing vessel was seen off Aberystwyth, but was lost to sight and anxiety was felt for her safety. At 9.30 the Borth police were rung up and it was learnt from them that the fishing vessel was then lying about a mile off shore in Borth Bay in heavy breaking seas.

She had made no distress signals, but it was thought advisable that the life- boat should put out, and at 2.15 on the morning of the 8th the motor life- boat Frederick Angus was launched.

A strong westerly breeze was blowing with a rough sea. The life-boat found the motor fishing vessel Claude, of Lorient, anchored half a mile north- west of Borth Head. She had a crew of seven but they did not want the life-boat's help. Her coxswain warned the skipper of his dangerous position, and the life-boat returned to her sta- tion, arriving at 2.50. The weather became worse during the morning, the wind veered to the westward, and at 10 o'clock the Borth police reported that the Claude was now flying distress signals. The life-boat again put out, at 10.15, and the skipper asked for her help to reach Aberdovey, but the life-boat could not take her in tow in such bad weather. One of the Claude's cables parted and the skipper then decided to abandon ship. The life- boat rescued the seven men and leaving the Claude on one anchor made for her station, arriving at 12.30.—Rewards.

First Service, £29 18*. 6d.; Second Service, £37 10*..