Hastings, Sussex.—About half past six on the night of the 2nd of November, 1950, a message was received that flares had been seen about two and a half miles east of Hastings Harbour.

At 6.45 the life-boat M.T.C. was launched in a very heavy sea with a west-south-westerly breeze. She found the boat which had made the flares and spoke the skipper. He directed their attention to the fishing boat Mary, with a crew of two, which needed help more because she had fouled her propeller with her net. The life-boat therefore took the Mary in tow. On her way back to her station she received a message that yet another fishing" boat, the Surprise, showing no light, was at sea disabled by an engine breakdown.

She searched all along the coast with her searchlight, but could find no trace of this boat; and with the Mary still in tow she reached her station at half past eight.—Rewards, £26 3s. Qd..