Barra Island, Outer Hebrides.—At 6.50 on the morning of the 20th of February, 1953, the Stornoway coastguards re- ported that the trawler Richard Crofts, of Milford Haven, was ashore between Coll and Tiree. A strong south-south- westerly gale was blowing, with a very rough sea, and at 7.45 the life-boat Lloyd's put out and made for the position. A search of the area was made, but nothing was found until the late afternoon, when six bodies were seen floating off the north-east coast of Coll. They were taken aboard the life-boat. The Richard Crofts had been holed and had sunk, but four survivors of her crew of twelve had landed by raft at Cornaig Beach, Coll, and two bodies were recovered at the same spot. On her arrival at Tober- mory to land the six bodies, the life- boat was directed to Oban. After spending the night on board, the lifeboat crew went to Oban, where the bodies were landed. They then re- turned to Barra Island, having been absent for about forty hours in very bad weather.—Rewards, £84 14s..