Ramsgate, Kent.—About 3.30 in the afternoon, on the 17th of December, 1949, the coastguard reported a fishing vessel aground on the Quern Shoal Brake Sands, and at 3.36 the life-boat Prudential was launched. A gale wasblowing from the north-west and the sea was rough. The life-boat found the Belgian motor trawler Victoria, of Ostend, with a crew of five aboard.

She had had difficulty with her steering gear in the bad conditions of weather.

The life-boat passed her a tow rope, and held her firm until she refloated with the rising tide. She was then towed clear, taken to Ramsgate Har- bour, and safely moored. The life-boat reached her station again at 5.10.— Property Salvage Case..