OCTOBER DURING October life-boats were launched 42 times and rescued 16 lives.

DOCTOR TAKEN TO SHETLAND ISLAND Aith, Shetlands.—At 2.35 on the after- noon of the 2nd of October, 1953, the doctor at Walls rang up to say there was a case of serious illness on the island of Papa Stour, and the weather was too bad for a shore-boat to take him to the island. At 3.45 the life- boat The Rankin put out in a very heavy sea, with a strong south-westerly breeze blowing. She brought the doc- tor to Papa Stour, and a small boat took him ashore. When he had treated the patient the life-boat took him back to Aith, arriving at 7.30.—• Rewards, £10 195.

NORWEGIAN STEAMER ESCORTED TO ORKNEYS Stronsay, Orkneys.—At 10.40 on the morning of the 6th of October, 1953, the Kirkwall coastguard rang up to say that the S.S. Poly ana, of Kristian- sand, had wirelessed that she was mak- ing water and needed help. She was then between Westray and Rousay, and at 11.10 the life-boat Edward Z.

Dresden was launched. The sea was smooth, with a moderate north-north- west breeze blowing. The life-boat found the steamer off Orkness, Shapin- say, escorted her to Kirkwall Bay, and then returned to her station, arriving at 4.45. The master expressed his thanks.—Rewards, £14 15s.

YACHT REFLOATED AT FOURTH ATTEMPT Poole, Dorset.—At 8.20 on the even- ing of the 7th of October, 1953, the police reported that a yacht was on the rocks at the Training Bank and had burnt flares. At 8.25 the life- boat Thomas Kirk Wright was launched in a ground swell and with a moderate east-north-east breeze blowing. She found the sailing yacht Freda, of Hamble, with a crew of four. The yacht was lying on her side, and at the fourth attempt the life-boat re- floated her and towed her to Poole Harbour, reaching her station again at 9.20.—Rewards, £11 175.

HELP TO R.A.F. RESCUE LAUNCH Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—At 6.46 on the evening of the 8th of October, 1953, the coastguard telephoned that a boat had reported that she was on the Red Sands and needed help. At 6.55 the life-boat Greater London, Civil Service No. 3 was launched in a calm sea with a light north-easterly breeze blowing.

She found a R.A.F. Air Sea Rescue launch, with a crew of five, one and a half miles west of the Red Sands forts. The launch had refloated, but had damaged her propellers. The life-boat escorted her to Sheerness and reached her station again at 9.30.— Rewards, £11 15s.

FRENCH TRAWLERS ESCORTED TO WICKLOW Arklow, and Wicklow, Co. Wicklow.— At 6.15 on the morning of the 10th of October, 1953, the Valentia Radio Station told the Arklow life-boat station that the French trawlers Petite Micheline and Vers le Destin had wirelessed that they had gone aground between the South Arklow and Codling Bank lightvessels. At 6.45 the life- boat Inbhear Mor was launched. The sea was rough, with a fresh south- westerly breeze blowing. At 6.30 the radio station also informed the Wick- low life-boat station of the trawler's position, and at 6.55 the life-boat Lady Kylsant was launched. The Inbhear Mor found the trawlers nine miles east-south-east of Arklow and saw that they had refloated. The Vers le Destin was leaking, and the Petite Micheline took her in tow. At the request of the skipper two life- boatmen boarded the Petite Micheline 640 THE LIFE-BOAT [MARCH, 1954 to act as pilots, and the life-boat escorted the trawlers to Arklow, arriving at one o'clock in the after- noon. The Wicklow life-boat was not needed and returned to her station, arriving at 10.25.—Rewards, Arklow £19 8s. 6d.; Wicklow £12 Us.

WORKMAN FALLS FROM HUMBER FORT Humber, Yorkshire.—At 10.42 on the morning of the 10th of October, 1953, a message was received from Bull Fort in the River Humber that a work- man had fallen and broken his ribs.

No other boat was available to take him ashore, and at 10.55 the life-boat City of Bradford II was launched.

There was a choppy sea and a light south-westerly breeze. The life-boat- men rendered first aid to the man, and the life-boat took him to Grimsby, where an ambulance was waiting.

The life-boat then returned to her station, arriving at three o'clock.— Paid Permanent Crew.

FISHING BOAT OVERDUE AND FOUND Dunbar, East Lothian.—At 3.20 early on the morning of the llth of October, 1953, the police reported that the local motor fishing vessel Welfare, with a crew of two, had left Newhaven and ought to have reached Dunbar about six o'clock the evening before. At 3.55 the life-boat George and Sarah Strachan was launched. The sea was rough with a moderate west-south- west breeze blowing. The life-boat found the Welfare three miles west of Fidra Island. Her engine had broken down, and her crew were cold and wet. The life-boat rescued them, put two men aboard, and towed the Wel- fare to Dunbar, arriving at nine o'clock.

—Rewards, £14 5s.

SICK MAN TAKEN FROM HEBRIDES ISLAND Barra Island, Outer Hebrides.—At six o'clock on the evening of the llth of October, 1953, a doctor asked if the life-boat would take a sick man from Barra to South Uist, as the air ambu- lance could not land because of tidal conditions. At seven o'clock the life- boat Lloyd's put out in a rough sea and southerly breeze. She took the patient to South Uist and arrived back at her station at 2.30 early on the morning of the 12th.—Rewards, £19 2s. Refunded to the Institution by the St. Andrew's and Red Cross Scottish Ambulance Service.

FISHING BOAT TOWED TO PORTMAGEE Valentia, Co. Kerry.—At 12.40 on the afternoon of the 12th of October, 1953.

the Civic Guard at Portmagee reported that the fishing boat Ros Corr, of Dublin, with a crew of six, needed help seven miles north of Bray Head. At one o'clock the life-boat A.E.D. put to sea in a heavy swell and fresh north-easterly breeze. She found the fishing boat nine miles west-north- west of Bray Head and learnt that she had fouled her propeller with her fishing gear. Another trawler was standing by her, but had been unable to get a line on board. The life-boat towed the Ros Corr to Portmagee.

reaching her station again at seven o'clock.—Rewards, £14 15s.

TWO MEN ADRIFT IN MOTOR BOAT Salcombe, Devon.—At 6.14 on the evening of the 13th of October, 1953.

the Hope Cove coastguard rang up to say that a small boat was burning- flares half a mile west of Prawle. At 6.25 the life-boat Samuel and Marie Parkhouse was launched. The sea was smooth, with a moderate north- easterly breeze blowing. The life- boat found two men in a small motor boat. She was drifting, and the life- boat towed her to Salcombe, arriving at 8.15.—Rewards, £7 16s.

BOAT OVERDUE WITH FIVE-YEAR- OLD BOY Torbay, Devon.—At 9.22 on the night of the 17th of October, 1953, the Brixham coastguard rang up to say that two men and a five-year-old boy had left Paignton for a fishing trip at 4.30 in the motor launch Dixie, but had not returned. As no news had been received of them by 8.50 the life-boat George Shee put to sea. The sea was calm, with a light northerly breeze blowing. The life-boat found the Dixie at anchor off Fishcombe Point. Her engine had broken down.

The life-boat towed the Dixie to MARCH, 1954] THE LIFE-BOAT 641 Paignton and reached her station again at 9.45. The men expressed their thanks.—Rewards, £6 15s.

DUTCH SHIP REFLOATED IN MERSEY New Brighton, Cheshire. — At 1.55 early on the morning of the 18th of October, 1953, the Formby coastguard reported that the motor vessel Vitesse, of Delfzijl, Netherlands, had gone aground on the revetment near C.25 Black Buoy in the River Mersey. At 2.13 the life-boat Norman B. Corlett put out in a calm sea and light east-south- east breeze. She found the Vitesse hard and fast and listing. The life- boat stood by her until she refloated at 4.15 on the flood tide, escorted her up the river, and then returned to her station, arriving at 4.45.—Rewards, £94*.

COBLE TOWED TO HARTLEPOOL Hartlepool, Durham.—At 5.35 on the evening of the 18th of October, 1953, the coastguard rang up to say that a fishing coble had burnt flares two miles north of Heugh lighthouse. At 5.55 the life-boat The Princess Royal, Civil Service No. 7 was launched. There was a slight sea with a light south- easterly breeze blowing. The life-boat found the local fishing boat Maggie Deas, with a crew of four. She had broken down, and the life-boat towed her to Hartlepool, reaching her station again at 7.15.—Rewards, £8 4s.

DINGHY CARRIED AWAY BY TIDE Humber, Yorkshire.—At 9.31 on the morning of the 21st of October, 1953, the Spurn Point coastguard telephoned that the S.S. Nestos, of Piraeus, which was anchored in the River Humber, had wirelessed that three of her crew were adrift in a dinghy which was being carried by the tide to the mouth of the river. At 9.48 the life-boat City of Bradford II was launched. There was a slight sea and a light southerly breeze, and it was foggy. The life- boat found both the dinghy and another boat, with a crew of nine, which had put off from the Nestos to search, secured to the Middle Light float. Neither boat could make any headway against the tide, so the life- boat towed them back to their ship and reached her station again at 1.15.

—Paid Permanent Crew.

MAN FROM ARAN ISLAND TAKEN FOR OPERATION Galway Bay.—At 9.45 on the morn- ing of the 23rd of October, 1953, the local doctor asked if the life-boat would take a seventy-four-year-old man, who was seriously ill, to the main- land, as no other boat was available.

At noon the life-boat Mabel Marion Thompson put out in a choppy sea and a moderate north-westerly breeze, with the patient on board. She took him to the mainland and arrived back at her station at four o'clock. The man was operated on that evening, and his life was saved.—Rewards, £14 15s. Refunded to the Institution by the Galway County Council.

FISHING BOAT NEARLY ASHORE IN GALE Aith, Shetlands. — At 11.25 on the night of the 24th of October, 1953, a crofter telephoned the coxswain that a fishing boat was making distress signals at The Rona, off Aith Voe.

Five minutes after midnight the life- boat The Rankin put to sea. The sea was very rough, with a full southerly gale blowing. The life-boat found the fishing boat Royal Exchange, of Lerwick, with a crew of three. Her engines had broken down. The fish- ing boat was only fifty yards from the shore and was in danger of being driven on to it. The life-boatmen passed a rope to her, and the life-boat towed her to a safe anchorage, reach- ing her station again at 1.40.—Re- wards, £8 3s.

DOCTOR BROUGHT TO LONDON TANKER The Mumbles, Glamorganshire.—At 2.54 on the afternoon of the 25th of October, 1953, the coastguard tele- phoned that the tanker Alva Bay, of London, which was .one mile south-east of Mumbles Head, had reported that she had a very sick man on board. No other boat was available, so at 3.17 the life-boat William Gammon—Man- chester and District XXX was launched in a swell and with a moderate north- westerly breeze blowing. She took a doctor to the vessel, but the man was 642 THE LIFE-BOAT [MARCH, 1954 too ill to be taken ashore. The doctor stayed with him for half an hour, then re-embarked in the life-boat, which arrived back at her station at 4.51.—Rewards, £10 8s.

RESCUE FROM ROWING BOAT NEAR BRIGHTON PIER Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—At 3.20 on the afternoon of the 26th of Octo- ber', 1953, the coastguard rang up to say that the Brighton police had reported that a rowing boat, with two men on board, had anchored about one hun- dred and fifty yards east of Palace Pier, Brighton. As the men might have had great difficulty in landing in the bad weather, the life-boat Rosa Woodd and Phyllis Lunn was launched at 3.40. The sea was rough, with a strong southerly breeze blowing. The life-boat rescued the men and reached her station again at 5.45.—Rewards, £9 3s.

AWARD FOR ABERDEEN COXSWAIN On the afternoon of the 26th of October, 1953, the Aberdeen No. 1 life-boat Hilton Briggs went to the help of the local fishing boat, Trustful III. In rough and confused seas a tow rope was made fast to the fishing boat, and the life-boat towed her to harbour. The thanks of the Institu- tion inscribed on vellum were accorded to Coxswain George Flett. For a full account of this service see page 632.

MOTOR BARGE BROKEN DOWN NEAR SKEGNESS Skegness, Lincolnshire.—At 5.51 on the morning of the 27th of October, 1953, the coastguard telephoned that a Trinity House vessel had reported that she had seen red flares south-west of North Race Buoy. At 6.13 he reported another flare south-west of North-East Docking Buoy. Seven- teen minutes later he gave the position as east-by-south of Skegness pier, and at 7.10 the life-boat Anne Allen was launched. There was a rough sea and a strong south-easterly wind. At nine o'clock the S.S. Arthur Wright wirelessed that she had found the motor barge Will Everard, of London, at anchor at the north end of Burnham Flats. Her steering gear had broken down, and the steamer took her in tow. The life-boat stood by for over an hour, but the Arthur Wright towed the barge to Great Yarmouth, and the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at two o'clock.—Rewards, £21 15*.

DOCTOR TAKEN TO LIGHTHOUSE Barra Island, Outer Hebrides.—At noon on the 29th of October, 1953, the Northern Lighthouse Board reported that a man in the Barrahead light- house was ill and needed immediate medical attention. The weather was too bad for the board's boat to put out, and at 12.55 the life-boat Lloyd's put to sea with a doctor and, in a rough sea and southerly gale, made for Barrahead. She took the sick man on board and landed him at Castlebay, reaching her station again at 6.30.—• Rewards, £12 19s.

YACHT TOWED TO FOLKESTONE Dungeness, Kent. — At 9.30 on the morning of the 31st of October, 1953, the life-boat signalman reported that a fishing boat had taken in tow a dis- masted yacht, the Grania, of Ports- mouth, and needed the help of the life-boat. The weather was deteri- orating, so at 9.45 the life-boat Charles Cooper Henderson was launched in a rough sea with a fresh breeze blowing.

She came up with the fishing boat one mile south-west of the life-boat station, took over the yacht and towed her to Folkestone, reaching her station again at 4.15.—Rewards, £41.

The following life-boats went out on service, but could find no ships in distress, were not needed or could do nothing: New Brighton, Cheshire. — October 1st.—Rewards, £12 8*.

Blackpool, Lancashire.—October 2nd.

—Rewards, £10 16s.

Hastings, Sussex.—October 3rd.— Rewards, £45 6s. Qd.

Broughty Ferry, Angus. — October 5th.—Rewards, £6 15s.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—October 5th.

—Rewards, £11 8s. Qd.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire. — October 14th.—Rewards, £21 17s.

The Mumbles, Glamorganshire. — October 14th.—Rewards, £20 10s.

MARCH, 1954] THE LIFE-BOAT 643 Cromer, Norfolk.—October 14th.— Rewards, £33 6s.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—October 18th.—Rewards, £9 3s.

Ramsgate, Kent.—October 19th.— Rewards, £17 0*. 6d.

Margate, Kent. — October 19th.— Rewards, £27 2s. Od.

Walmer, Kent. — October 19th. — Rewards, £29 14s.

Selsey, Sussex. — October 20th. — Rewards, £10 7s.

Holyhead, Anglesey.—October 24th.

—Rewards, £19 2s.

Broughty Ferry, Angus. — October 26th.—Rewards, £12 12s. 6d.

Anstruther, Fifeshire.—October 26th.

—Rewards, £24 10s.

Arbroath, Angus.—October 26th.—- Rewards, £32.

Workington, Cumberland. — October 28th.—Rewards, £12 19s.

Wick, Caithness-shire. — October 30th.—Rewards, £17 6s.

NOVEMBER DURING November life-boats were launched 33 times and rescued 20 lives.

FISHING BOAT ESCORTED TO SCARBOROUGH Scarborough, Yorkshire. — On the afternoon of the 1 st of November, 1953, the weather deteriorated and condi- tions at the harbour entrance became dangerous. The local fishing boat Premier was at sea with a crew of three, and at 2.30 the life-boat E.C.J.R. was launched. There was a heavy sea, with a south-south-east gale blowing. The life-boat came up with the Premier off Burniston, escorted her to Scarborough harbour, and reached her station, again, at 5.30.

—Rewards, £17 10s. 6d.

FOUR RESCUED FROM THREE BOATS The Mumbles, Glamorganshire.—At 3.50 on the 1st of November, 1953, the coxswain reported that two rowing boats with one person in each were in difficulties in Swansea Bay, and that two men who had put off to help them in another boat had also got into difficulties. At 4.4 the life-boat William Gammon—Manchester and District XXX was launched in a rough sea with a south-westerly breeze blow- ing. She found the three boats one mile south of Middle Swansea Bay.

She rescued the four people and towed the boats to The Mumbles, reaching her station again at 5.34.—Rewards, £11 8s.

RESCUE FROM DRIFTING FISHING BOAT Workington, Cumberland.—At 4.35 on the afternoon of the 1st of November.

1953, the coastguard rang up to say that the dock police had reported that four youths had put off in the fishing boat Minnie, of Maryport, but that she was now out of sight. The sea was rough and a strong south-south- east wind was blowing, and at 4.50 the life-boat Manchester and SalfordXXIX put to sea. She found the Minnie drifting four miles north of Working- ton, rescued the youths and towed the boat to harbour, reaching her station again at 6.45.—Rewards, £7 11s.

LIFE-BOAT STANDS BY TILL TUG ARRIVES Fowey, Cornwall.—At 5.35 on the evening of the 3rd of November, 1953, a shipping company at Par reported that they had received a message that the motor ship Summity, of London, had asked for help as she had broken down half a mile south of Dodman Head. At 6.3 the life-boat C.D.E.C.

put out in a calm sea and fresh westerly breeze. She remained with the Summity until a tug arrived to take her in tow, and then returned to her station, arriving at 10.45.—Re- wards, £12 5s.

STEAMER AGROUND ON GUNFLEET SANDS Walton and Frinton, Essex.—At 11.33 on the morning of the 4th of November, 1953, the Walton-on-the-Naze coast- guard rang up to say that the S.S.

Park-wood, of Middlesbrough, with a crew of fifteen, had run ashore on the Gunfleet Sands about half a mile west of the Mid Gunfleet Buoy. The coastguard kept watch on her and at 1.55 reported that she was listing to port. As the tide ebbed it was seen that her stern was well above the water, and it was feared that she had struck old wreckage. At four o'clock the life-boat Edian Courtauld put out in a slight sea and light west-north- west breeze. She found a tug with the steamer. The life-boat took the tug- master to the steamer and later helped the tug to tow her clear. The Park- wood then went on her way to Harwich under her own power, and the life- boat returned to her station, arriving at 11.30 on the morning of the 5th.—• Property Salvage Case.

SIX BOYS RESCUED IN HEAVY SWELL Peterhead, Aberdeenshlre.—At 3.15 on the afternoon of the 4th of November, 1953, the coastguard telephoned that six boys in a rowing boat off the North Head had only two oars between them and were in difficulties in the tide and heavy swell, At 3.45 the life-boat Julia Park Barry, of Glasgow was launched in a heavy ground swell with a moderate south-south-east breeze blowing. She found the row- ing boat Defiant, rescued the boys and put a life-boatman aboard the Defiant.

She then towed the boat to Peterhead, arriving at 4.25.—Rewards, £10 2s. 6d.

LIFE-BOATMAN PILOTS TRAWLER TO STORNOWAY Stornoway, Outer Hebrides.—At 12.58 early on the morning of the 8th of November, 1953, the coastguard rang up to say that the trawler Sea Hunter, which had a crew of twelve, had wire- lessed that she was leaking off the Shiant Islands, and that her pumps could not keep pace with the water.

At 1.30 the life-boat William and Harriot put out in a rough sea with a strong westerly gale blowing. She found the trawler in North Minch, eight miles from Stornoway, making for harbour. A life-boatman boarded her and piloted her to Stornoway, escorted by the life-boat, which reached her station again at 3.15.— Rewards, £7.

SERVICE BY RESERVE LIFE-BOAT DURING MACHINERY TRIALS Reserve life-boat.—At 9.30 on the 10th of November, 1953, the reserve life- boat Thomas Markby put out from a shipbuilders' yard at Littlehampton in a swell and light south-south-east breeze. She was to undergo machin- ery trials following a survey. The life-boat district engineer, a motor mechanic and two employees of the shipbuilders formed her crew. When they were two miles south-south-east of Littlehainpton Pier they saw a twenty-six feet sailing cutter drifting.

Three boys who were absent from an approved school were found on board.

They were cold and hungry. One of the crew of the life-boat went on board, and the life-boat towed the cutter to Littlehampton, arriving at 10.30. The boys were handed over to the police, who met the life-boat.—Rewards, £2.

SICK MAN TAKEN OFF IRISH LIGHTHOUSE Valentia, Co. Kerry.—At 7.45 on the evening of the 14th of November, 1953, a message was received from the Skelligs Rock lighthouse asking if the life-boat would land a sick keeper.

The tender of the Commissioners of Irish Lights could not leave Castle- town because of the bad weather. At 10.15 on the morning of the 15th the life-boat A.E.D. put to sea with a relief keeper on board, taking her boarding boat with her. The sea was very rough with a fresh south-westerly gale blowing. The life-boat landed the relief keeper on the rock. After several attempts the sick man was taken into the boarding boat and transferred to the life-boat, which reached Valentia again at three in the afternoon.—Rewards, £14 14s. Re- funded to the Institution by the Com- missioners of Irish Lights.

THREE LIFE-BOATS SEARCH FOR SURVIVORS Dungeness, and Dover, Kent; and Hastings, Sussex.—At four o'clock on the morning of the 16th of November, 1953, the Lade coastguard telephoned the Dungeness life-boat station that the S.S. Perou, of Havre, had reported that she had been in collision with the S.S. Vittoria Claudia, of Genoa, which had a crew of twenty-five, two miles south of Dungeness. The coastguard later stated that a pilot boat which had been at the position had stated that there was no sign of any vessel in need of help. Nevertheless, at 4.53 the life-boat Charles Cooper Henderson was launched in a slight sea with a light south-westerly breeze blowing.

She found wreckage of the Vittoria Claudia, which had sunk, two miles south-east of the life-boat station. She began at once to search for survivors.

At 5.13 the Fairlight coastguard informed the Hastings life-boat station, and at 5.32 the life-boat M.T.C. was launched. At 5.17 the Sandgate coast- guard informed the Dover life-boat station, and the life-boat Southern Africa put to sea at 5.45. The life- boats searched widely. The Dunge- ness life-boat found two bodies, and the Hastings life-boat one. The M.T.C. transferred the body she had found to the Charles Cooper Henderson, and both life-boats returned to their stations, Dungeness arriving at 10.45 and Hastings at 3.50. The Dover life-boat found only a ship's boat, which she towed to Dover. She reached her station at 4.30. At 2.53 the Lade coastguard again telephoned the Dungeness life-boat station to say that an open boat had been seen three miles north-west of the Varne light- vessel. The Charles Cooper Henderson was launched a second time at 3.40.

She searched widely, but found noth- ing, and reached her station again at 8.30. Twenty members of the Italian steamer's crew lost their lives, but the pilot boat rescued the five survivors.— Rewards: Dungeness. 1st service, £37, 2nd service, £35 3s.; Dover, £11 15.9.; Hastings, £44 16s. 6d.

STEAMER AGROUND OFF REDCAR Teesmouth, Yorkshire.—At 2.15 early on the morning of the 20th of Novem- ber, 1953, the South Gare coastguard rang up to say that the S.S. Albano, of Hull, had wirelessed that she had gone aground in Tees Bay and had asked for tugs and a pilot. She was in a dangerous position on the Saltscar rocks off Redcar, and at 3.15 the life- boat John and Lucy Cordingley was launched. The sea was calm with a light south-westerly breeze blowing.

The life-boat found the Albano stranded, with old wrecks on each side of her. The life-boat stood by her until the Albano refloated and was taken in tow by a tug. She then returned to her station, arriving at 3.25.—Rewards, £34 18s.

DRIFTING MOTOR BOAT TOWED TO HARBOUR Lowestoft, Suffolk.—At 12.29 on the afternoon of the 22nd of November, 1953, the coastguard rang up to say that the local motor boat Belle had broken down, and that her crew of three were waving for help. At 12.40 the life-boat Michael Stephens put out in a calm sea and light westerly breeze. She found the Belle two miles from the harbour drifting northwards.

She towed her to Lowestoft, arriving at 1.45. The owner thanked the life- boatmen.—Rewards, £9 16s.

ARBROATH LIFE-BOAT STANDS BY AT HARBOUR BAR Arbroath, Angus.—On the morning of the 23rd of November, 1953, local fishing boats put to sea, but at 11.30 the coastguard reported that condi- tions at the harbour bar were danger- ous. At 11.45 the life-boat Howard D., on temporary duty at the station, was launched to stand by when the fishing boats returned. There was a heavy swell, with a strong south- south-east breeze blowing. The life- boat stood by the bar until all the fishing boats had crossed it safely, and then returned to her station, arriving at 3.30.—Rewards, £12 12s.

FISHING BOAT TOWED TO ARKLOW Arklow, Go. Wicklow.—At 6.5 on the evening of the 24th of November, 1953, fishermen reported that a boat had burnt flares north of Arklow harbour.

At 6.30 the life-boat Inbhear Mor was launched. The sea was rough, with a moderate southerly wind blowing. The life-boat found the local fishing boat St. Michael, with a crew of four, four and a half miles north-north-east of the pier. Her nets had fouled her propeller, and she had anchored in a dangerous position, a quarter of a mile from the shore. A tow rope was made fast, and the life-boat towed the fish- ing boat to Arklow, reaching her station again at 8.55.—Rewards, £9 11s.

LONDON STEAMER SINKS AFTER COLLISION Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk.—At 12.27 early on the morn- ing of the 26th of November, 1953, the Gorleston coastguard rang up to say that the S.S. Marsworth, of London, had wirelessed that she was sinking.

She had been in collision with a French steamer about eight miles from Winter- ton and was making for the beach.

At 12.50 the life-boat Louise Stephens was launched in a slight swell with a light south-south-west breeze blowing and fog, but before she could reach her the Marsworth sank. The S.S. Jellicoe Rose took on board three of the Marsworth''s crew of ten, and the remainder were taken aboard another ship. The Jellicoe Rose broadcast this news and the life-boat, finding her two miles north of North Cockle Buoy, took on board the three mem- bers of the Marsworth's crew who had been rescued. She landed them in the harbour at 7.18.—Rewards, £33.

FISHING BOATS ESCORTED IN GALE BridUngton, Yorkshire.—At 12.15 on the afternoon of the 27th of November, 1953, during bad weather, the coast- guard assembled the coastguard shore life-saving team to man the piers in case any fishing boat entering the harbour needed help. At 12.50 the life-boatmen also assembled, and at 1.10, as the weather was deteriorating, they launched the life-boat Tillie Morrison, Sheffield II, with the second coxswain in charge. There was a heavy swell with a south-south-west gale blowing. The life-boat escorted in a number of local fishing boats and reached her station again at 3.10.

—Rewards, £10 7s.

The following life-boats went out on service, but could find no ships in distress, were not needed or could do nothing: Dungeness, Kent.—November 7th.— Rewards, £31 6s.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—Novem- ber 7th.—Rewards, £9.

number, Yorkshire.—November 7th.

—Paid Permanent Crew.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk. — November 8th. — Rewards, £13 4s.

Plymouth, Devon.—November 12th.

—Rewards, £16 5s.

Caister, Norfolk.—November 18th.—• Rewards, £17 4s.

Berwick-on-Tweed, Northumberland.

—November 21st.—Rewards, £9 4s.

Caister, Norfolk.—November 25th.— Rewards, £12 13s.

Swanage, Dorset.—November 25th.

—Rewards, £14 3s.

Weymouth, Dorset.—November 25th.

—Rewards, £10 10s.

Salcombe, Devon.—November 25th.

—Rewards, £9 12s.

Swanage, Dorset.—November 27th.— Rewards, £8 12s.

Weymouth, Dorset.—November 27th.

—Rewards, £7.

Stromness, Orkneys. —• November 28th.—Rewards, £8 4s.

DECEMBER DUKING December life-boats were launched 42 times and rescued 49 lives.

LIFE-BOATMAN PILOTS DUTCH SHIP Weymouth, Dorset.—At 10.27 on the morning of the 3rd of December, 1953, the Wyke Regis coastguard rang up to say that the Shambles light-vessel had reported that a vessel passing her was flying a distress signal. At 10.40 the life-boat William and Clara Ryland put to sea. The sea was rough with a strong south-south-east breeze blow- ing. The life-boat found the motor vessel Heemskerk, of Rotterdam, with a crew of eight, three miles south- south-east of Portland. She was leak- ing badly, and her stern was nearly awash. A life-boatman boarded her to pilot her, and the life-boat escorted her to Weymouth harbour, reaching her station again at 12.10.—Rewards, £ ,*• 7.

SICK MAN OFF VENEZUELAN DESTROYER Barrow, Lancashire.—At 12.40 on the afternoon of the 4th of December, 1953, the life-boat coxswain received a link telephone call from the Venezuelan destroyer Nueva Esparta, which was undergoing gunnery trials in the Irish Sea, that a workman on board was bleeding internally and that she wished to land him. No other boat was available, and at 12.50 the life-boat Herbert Leigh was launched in a slight sea with a light northerly breeze blow- ing. She came up with the destroyer off Lightning Knoll Buoy and took the man ashore, reaching her station again at 2.50.—Rewards, £5 12s. 6d.

SCHOONER'S CREW JUMP INTO LIFE-BOAT 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 ofLeinster, 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.

TWO MEN OVERBOARD FROM YACHT Torbay, Devon.—At 2.42 early on the morning of the 6th of December, 1953, the Brixham coastguard rang up to say that shouts for help had been heard off Freshwater Quarry. At 3.10 the life- boat George Shee put to sea. There was a slight swell with a moderate easterly breeze blowing. A flashing light and shouting guided the life-boat to the yacht Rosemary V moored off Brixham Harbour. The owner was the only person on board, and he had shouted for help because his two colleagues had been thrown into the sea when the dinghy, in which they had been about to put off from the yacht, had capsized. He had got hold of both of them, and police had put out in a dinghy and helped him get them aboard. The police revived one of the men, and the life-boat returned ashore for a doctor and put him and ambulance men aboard the yacht.

Two life-boatmen helped with artificial respiration, but the second man died.

The life-boat reached her station again at 5.15.—Rewards, £9 12s.

CALL FOR LIFE-BOAT WHILE ON EXERCISE Tynemouth, Northumberland. — At 2.25 on the afternoon of the 6th of December, 1953, the life-boat Tynesider was launched for a routine exercise. On completing the exercise she made for her station again, but when she was nearing Tyne North Pier she saw the motor fishing boat Edward, of New- castle-on-Tyne, stopped, half a mile north of the pier. One of her crew was waving, so the Tynesider immed- iately went to her help. The sea was rough with a moderate south-easterly breeze blowing. The life-boat found that the fishing boat had broken down with five men on board. She was drifting towards rocks, so the life-boat towed her to North Shields and reached her station again at 4.30.—Rewards, £12 7s.

LIFE-BOAT STANDS BY SWEDISH STEAMER Runswick, Yorkshire.—At 7.55 on the morning of the 8th of December, 1953, a telephone message was received at the life-boat station stating that a ship had gone aground half a mile south of Staithes. At 8.30 the life-boat Robert Patton—The Always Ready was launched in a moderate sea with an easterly wind blowing. She found the S.S. Grano, of Stockholm, with a crew of twenty-six. Two tugs also found her, and the life-boat stood by all day and passed ropes from the steamer to them. The tugs refloated the Grano, and the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 7.15 in the evening.

—Property Salvage Case.

LIFE-BOAT AND TUG HELP TRAWLER Anstruther, Fifeshire.—At 5.52 on the evening of the 8th of December, 1953, the coastguard rang up to say that the steam trawler Thomas L. Devlin, of Granton, had gone ashore at North Carr. At 6.10 the life-boat James a Ruby Jackson was launched, with the bowman in charge. There was a swell and fog. The life-boat found the trawler nearly high and dry two miles east-by-north of the North Carr lightvessel. She stood by her until a tug arrived, and then passed a rope from the tug to the trawler. The life- boat remained until the tug pulled the trawler clear, and then returned to her station, arriving at 3.30 early on the 9th.—Rewards, £25 96-.

PILOT BROUGHT TO ITALIAN SHIP Portrush, Co. Antrim.—At 10.35 on the night of the 11 th of December, 1953, the coastguard rang up to say that a vessel had gone aground at Galloway Rock, near Greencastle. At 10.48 the life-boat Lady Scott, Civil Service No.

4, was launched. The sea was rough with a strong south-south-east breeze blowing. The life-boat found the motor vessel Meligunis, of Italy. Her master said that she was not damaged or in difficulties, but asked if the life- boat would fetch a pilot. The life- boat took a pilot on board at Moville and put him aboard the Meligunis.

which, by now, had refloated and anchored off Moville. The life-boat, being no longer needed, returned to her station, arriving at 4.32 early on the 12th.—Rewards, £15 15s.

ESCORT FOR FISHING BOAT IN TOW Blyth, Northumberland.—At 2.35 on the afternoon of the 13th of December, 1953, the coastguard rang up to say that the fishing coble Mavis, with a crew of two, was overdue, and at three o'clock the life-boat Winston Churchill, Civil Service No. 8, was launched.

The sea was rough, with a fresh south- south-east breeze blowing. The life- boat found the Mavis three miles south-east of the pier. Her engine had broken down, and the fishing boat Sceptre, which had reached her at the same time as the life-boat, took her in tow. The life-boat escorted both the boats to Blyth, reaching her station again at 4.15.—Rewards, £8 12s.

CALL FOR LIFE-BOAT AFTER A FISHING COMPETITION Llandudno, Caernarvonshire.—During the afternoon of the 13th of December, 1953, a fishing competition was held in Llandudno Bay, but the weather deteriorated and all but two of the small boats returned to the shore.

About 3.30 the two boats signalled for help three quarters of a mile north of the pier, and the life-boat Tillie Morrison, Sheffield, was launched. The sea was choppy with a fresh south- south-east wind blowing. A rowing boat fitted with an outboard motor also made for the position and the life-boat stood by. The life-boat then escorted all three boats to the shore.

She reached her station again at 5.5.— Rewards, £12 12s.

TWENTY-TWO RESCUED FROM GREEK STEAMER Redcar, Yorkshire.—At 9.47 on the night of the 14th of December, 1953, the coastguard rang up to say that a steamer had gone aground on East Scar rocks. At 10.10 the life-boat City of Leeds was launched. There was a heavy swell, with a light south- erly breeze blowing. The life-boat found the S.S. Dimitris, of Andros, Greece, bound for the Tees laden with iron ore, badly holed. She rescued twenty-two of the steamer's crew of thirty-six and reached her station again at 9.45. She had intended putting off again to take ashore the others, but two fishing boats had, in the meantime, rescued them.—Re- wards, £12 4s.

ELEVEN RESCUED OFF MINQUIERS REEF Early on the morning of the 15th of December, 1953, the St. Helier, Jersey, life-boat Elizabeth Rippon took off eleven of the crew of the motor vessel Brockley Combe, of Bristol, which had struck the Minquiers Reef. For this service, a full account of which is given on page 632, Coxswain Edward Lar- balestier was accorded the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum.

THANKS OF INSTITUTION FOR MARGATE COXSWAIN On the morning of the 19th of December, 1953, the Margate life-boat North Foreland. Civil Service No XI was launched in a rough sea to go to the help of the French trawler Notre Dame de la Mer. off Boulogne, which was being driven inshore and was pounding heavily. The life-boat suc- ceeded in towing the trawler clear.

For this service, a full account of which is given on page 633, Coxswain Denis Price was accorded the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum.

CREW OF SUNK VESSEL LANDED ON CHRISTMAS EVE Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—At 6.39 on the evening of the 24th of December, 1953, the coastguard rang up to say that a steamer had wirelessed that another steamer had collided with the motor vessel Alf Everard, of London, off Sea Reach. At 6.55 the life-boat Greater London, Civil Service No. 3, was launched. There was a slight sea with a light south-westerly breeze blowing.

Using her searchlight, the life-boat found the S.S. Sir Alexander Kenned;/ half a mile east of No. 1 Sea Reach Buoy. The steamer had taken 011 board the crew of seven of the Alf Everard after the vessel had sunk.

The men were transferred to the life- boat, which landed them at Southern! pier at 8.30.—Rewards, £9 15s.

HELP TO GUERNSEY FISHING BOAT St. Peter Port, Guernsey.—At 6.35 oil the evening of the 26th of December, 1953, a man at Jethou reported that the local fishing boat Belarita, which had engine trouble, had left for St.

Sampson's in tow of the motor boat Mionne at six o'clock but that the tow rope had parted off Creux Rocks.

The boats had been lost to sight in the bad visibility, so at 7.48 the life-boat Queen Victoria put to sea with the second coxswain in charge. There was a moderate sea, and a fresh wind was blowing from the west. The life-boat found the Mionne off Jethou, took the owner aboard, anchored the boat off Herm Harbour, and landed the owner and his party of two. She then searched for the Belarita, but in the meantime the coxswain had put off with two other men in a shore-boat.

The shore-boat contacted the life-boat, and the coxswain boarded her and took command. The shore-boat then made for St. Peter Port, but she came up with the Belarita south-west of Jethou and towed her in. The life- boat was recalled to her station, which she reached at 10.35.—Rewards, £10 12s.

STEAMER ON ROCKS AT MEW ISLAND Donaghadee, Co. Down.—At 11.44 on the morning of the 29th of December, 1953, the Bangor coastguard tele- phoned that a vessel had run on the rocks at Mew Island. At 11.55 the life-boat Sir Samuel Kelly put to sea.

There was a ground swell with a light westerly breeze blowing. The life- boat found the 450-ton S.S. Grace Hill, of Belfast, with a crew of nine. At the request of the skipper the life-boat stood by until the steamer refloated on the rising tide. The Grace Hill was not damaged and made for Larne.

The life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 2.25.—Rewards, £8 2s.

DOCTOR TAKEN TO INISHERE ISLAND Galway Bay.—At one o'clock on the afternoon of the 29th of December, 1953, the local doctor asked if the life-boat would take him to Inishere Island, to attend a very sick man. who might have to be moved to the main- land. As no other boat was available, the life-boat Mabel Marion Thompson put to sea at 1.20 with the doctor on board. The sea was calm, and there was a light westerly breeze and fog.

The life-boat took the doctor to Inishere, but the patient was too weak to be moved. The doctor treated him and re-embarked in the life-boat, which reached her station again at five o'clock.—Rewards, £10 19s.

SICK WOMAN TAKEN OFF BARDSEY Porthdinllaen, Caernarvonshire.—At 10.25 on the nightof the 31st of Decem- ber, 1953, the coastguard rang up to say that a doctor had reported that a woman on Bardsey Island was serious- ly ill. The doctor asked if the life- boat would take him to the island. At 11.47 the life-boat Charles Henry Ashley was launched in a choppy sea with a light northerly breeze blowing.

She took the doctor to Bardsey, where he decided that the woman should be admitted to hospital. The life-boat took her and the doctor to Porthdin- llaen, where an ambulance was wait- ing, arriving at seven o'clock on the 1st January. The woman died the next day.—Rewards, £21 11s.

The following life-boats went out on service, but could find no ships in distress, were not needed or could do nothing: Mallaig, Inverness-shire.—December 1st.—Rewards, £14 5s.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk.—December 2nd.

—Rewards, £62 7*. 6d.

Buckle, Banff shire.—December 3rd.— Rewards, £9 6s. 6d.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.—December 5th.—Rewards, £7 7s. Qd.

Penlee, Cornwall.—December 5th.— Rewards, £26 14*. 6d.

Mallaig, Inverness-shire.—December 6th.—Rewards, £15 15*.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire. — December 7th.—Rewards, £20 18*.

Weymouth, Dorset.—December 8th.— Rewards, £10 10*.

Falmouth, Cornwall.—December 9th.

—Rewards, £10 5*.

Coverack, Cornwall.—December 9th.

—Rewards, £12 19*.

Fowey, Cornwall.—December 9th.— Rewards, £8 15*.

Selsey, Sussex. — December 9th. — Rewards, £29 12*. 6d.

Appledore, Devon.—December llth.

—Rewards, £6 17s.

Mallaig, Inverness-shire.—December llth.—Rewards, £46 5s.

Barry Dock, Glamorganshire.—Dec- ember 12th.—Rewards, £10 11*.

Filey, Yorkshire.—December 14th.— Rewards, £12 18*.

Margate, Kent.—December 15th.— Rewards, £14 16*.

Eastbourne, Sussex.—December 20th.

—Rewards, £31.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. — December 22nd.—Rewards, £14 8*. 6d.

Newhaven, Sussex.—December 23rd.

—Rewards, £14 18*.

Criccieth, Caernarvonshire.—Decem- ber 24th.—Rewards, £17 17*.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—December 29th.—Rewards, £10 8*.

Mallaig, Inverness-shire.—December 29th—Rewards, £7..