Barrow, Lancashire; and Workington, Cumberland.—At three o'clock on the afternoon of the 18th of April, 1953, the YValney Island coastguard rang up the Barrow life-boat station to say that the steam hopper Moss Bay, of Workington, bound from Glasson Dock for Workington, with a crew of six, was overdue, but had been seen off the Wyre Light at 5.30 on the afternoon of the previous day. Anxiety for her safety had been felt at Workington, and it was decided that both the Barrow and Workington life-boats should search for her. At 4.15 the Workington life-boat Manchester and Salford XXIX left her moorings. The Barrow life-boat Herbert Leigh was launched at 4.25. There was a light north-easterly breeze with a smooth sea. After both life-boats had search- ed for some time the master of a fishing boat, which had returned to White- haven, reported that he had seen the Moss Bay about thirteen miles south of St. Bees Head. This information was passed to the Workington life-boat.

She found the Moss Bay five miles north of Selker Buoy and put food on board. The Moss Bay had engine trouble and needed a tug, and the Workington life-boat returned to her station to arrange for one. She arrived there at 10.20. The Barrow life-boat was not needed and reached her station at 9.40.—Rewards: Barrow, £13 2s.; Workington, £11 16s. 6d..