Newbiggin, Northumberland.—On the morning of the 14th of April, 1953, the life-boat bowman returned from fishing and reported that sea condi- tions to the northward were becoming bad. Five fishing cobles were still at sea, and at 9.30 the life-boat Richard Ashley was launched, with an ex-cox- swain in command. There was a strong north-north-west wind blowing, with a very rough sea. The life-boat made for a position to the north-east, escorted two of the cobles to the harbour, and then found two of the others six miles north-east of New- biggin. She escorted them in as well, but the fifth reached Newbiggin alone.

The life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 1.10.—Rewards, £19 1*..