Tynemouth, Northumberland.—At half past ten on the morning of the llth of February, 1950, the coastguard tele- phoned that a coble and a motor boat with a lighter laden with coal in tow, were in difficulties off the Tyne Harbour entrance. The Pilot Cutter was in attendance. Ten minutes later it was reported that the cutter had left and was entering the river; and so, at 11.3, the motor life-boat Tynesider was launched. There was a rough sea with a moderate westerly gale, and the boats were being rapidly blown seawards.

About three miles off she came up with the motor boat White Heather which had already abandoned the lighter.

The life-boat rescued the crew of three of the motor boat, which she took in tow; and while going to the coble (also called White Heather) informed Cullercoats Radio Station that the lighter was adrift. As her engine had broken down and she had shipped water, the coble was then also taken in tow. By half past twelve the boats gained the shelter of the pier, where the coble's engines were re-started.

The rescued men were landed at South Shields at 12.50 in the afternoon, and the life-boat then returned to her station.—Rewards, £15 17s..