Arklow, Co. Wicklow.—At 8.52 on the evening of the 4th of December, 1953, the life-boat motor mechanic reported that flares had been seen north of Arklow harbour. At 9.9 the life-boat Inbhear Mor was launched. The sea was choppy, with a moderate north- easterly breeze blowing. The life-boat found the fishing boat Pride of Leinster, with a crew of five, broken down and at anchor about two miles north- north-east of the pier. She was in danger of being driven ashore, so at the request of the skipper the life-boat towed her to Arklow Dock, arriving at 9.55. While the life-boat was towing the Pride of Leinster, she noticed that the schooner M. E. Johnson, which was making for the harbour, appeared to go aground off South Pier in a rough and confused sea. The life-boat berthed the fishing boat, and at 8.5 she put to sea again. She anchored a hundred yards to seaward of the schooner and veered down to her through the breaking sea. With diffi- culty, at the second attempt, she got alongside her, and the schooner's crew of four jumped into the life-boat.

The life-boat reached her station again at 10.45.—Rewards, £10 10s..