Swanage, Dorset.—-At 7.20 in the evening, on the 2nd of September, 1950, the coastguard telephoned that a small racing yacht with a crew of three was long overdue. It had last been seen four miles east of Peveril Point. At 7.40 the life-boat R.L.P. was launched in a slight sea and a moderate north- westerly wind. She searched all night,without success, and reached her station at half past six the next morning.

About eight o'clock news was received from Plymouth, through the coast- guard, that an aeroplane had spotted the yacht; and at 8.25 the life-boat was launched again. The aeroplane showed the position of the yacht ten miles south-east-by-east of Peveril Point, and the life-boat brought her and her crew to Swanage, reaching there at 11.15. They then learned that the yacht had been drifting with a broken rudder, and that once during the night she was within half a mile of the life- boat, but unable to make a signal.

The owner made a gift of money to the life-boatmen.—-Rewards, First service, £21 3s.; Second service, £8 7s..