Fenit, and Valentia, Co. Kerry. — On the afternoon of the 80th of January, 1951, anxiety was felt for the safety of the crew of seven of the Tralee Harbour Commissioners dredger Samphire.

Nothing had been heard of her since eleven on the morning of the previous day, when she passed the Bull Rock off Dursey Head, on passage from Rush- brooke, Co. Cork to Fenit. Enquiries were made through the Coast Life Saving Service, but without result; so, because of the bad weather forecast, it was decided to make a search. At three o'clock the Fenit life-boat Peter and Sarah Blake was launched in a strong westerly breeze and moderate sea. The Valentia station already knew, by telephone, and the life-boat B.A.S.P. had left five minutes before the Fenit boat. A naval corvette also put out to join in the search. About five, the Valentia life-boat learnt by wireless that the Fenit life-boat had found the Samphire off the Brandon Mountains and would escort her back to Fenit, so she made for her station.

Four miles north-west of Valentia Lighthouse she saw a drifting mine and reported its position by wireless to Valentia radio station. She eventu- ally reached her station again at six in the evening. The Fenit life-boat escorted the Samphire to Fenit, arriving at seven o'clock.—Rewards, Fenit, £11 8s.; Valentia, £10 195..