JANUARY DURIXG January life-boats were launched 41 times and rescued 37 lives.

LIFE-BOAT STANDS BY FISHING FLEET Anstruther, Fifeshire.—Oil the after- noon of the 3rd of January, 1955, the wind freshened, and at 4.15 the coast- guard telephoned that several fishing boats from Pittenweem were lying off the harbour, waiting for the tide to rise sufficiently to allow them to enter.

A strong east-north-east wind was causing a rough sea, and it was two hours after low water. At 4.35 the life-boat James and Ruby Jackson was launched. She stood by the boats until they had all entered the harbour and reached her station again at six o'clock.—Rewards, £19 18s.

TO HELP OF R.A.S.C. VESSEL Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.—At 7.50 on the evening of the 3rd of January, 1955, a woman at Norton telephoned that a vessel was burning flares near Black Rock. The vessel was the M.F.V. No. 51, of the Water Trans- port Section of the Royal Army Service Corps. At 8.10 the life-boat S.G.E. put out with the skipper of the M.F.V. and a member of her crew, who had both been on shore. The sea was very rough, an easterly gale was blowing, and the tide was half ebb.

The life-boat found that the M.F.V., which had three men on board, was dragging her moorings west of the harbour. The life-boat put the skip- per and the man on board, and they were able, with the help of the three other men, to let go an anchor. The life-boat remained with the M.F.V.

until it was seen that her anchor was holding, and then returned to her station, arriving at 9.40.—Rewards, £7 8s.

INJURED MAN LANDED FROM LIGHTVESSEL Dover, Kent.—On the 4th of January, 1955, the Superintendent of Trinity House at Harwich asked if the life- boat would land an injured fog-signal driver from the South Goodwin light- vessel, as the weather was too bad for a shore-boat to put out. At four o'clock in the afternoon the life-boat Southern Africa was launched in a rough sea, with a strong easterly- breeze blowing and a blizzard. She took the man on board and wirelessed for an ambulance to meet her at Dover.

She landed the man at 6.20.—Rewards, £9 5s. Refunded to the Institution by Trinity House.

ROPE PASSED FROM TRAWLER TO TRAWLER Barra Island, Outer Hebrides.—At two o'clock on the afternoon of the 9th of January, 1955, the Stornoway coast- guard telephoned that a message had been received from the Oban radio station that the steam trawler Moni- mia, of Fleetwood, had broken down and anchored east of Muldoanich.

The trawler had asked for the life- boat, and at 2.28 the life-boat Lloyd's put out. There was a heavy swell, a flooding tide and a strong south- westerly breeze. The life-boat found the trawler five miles east of Muldoan- ich, with the trawler Osta standing by.

She passed a rope from the Osta to the Monimia, and the Osta towed the Monimia to Tobermory. The life- boat then returned to her station, arriving at five o'clock.—Rewards, £9 7s.

FISHING BOAT ESCORTED TO BARMOUTH Barmouth, Merionethshire.—At 3.42 on the afternoon of the 9th of January, 1955, the coastguard telephoned that a man had reported that the local fishing boat Welsh Girl had gone aground on the South Bank at the harbour bar. At 4.15 the life-boat The Chieftain was launched. The sea was moderate, a fresh south-south- west wind was blowing, and it was low water. The fishing boat, which had a crew of three, refloated, and the life- boat escorted her to the harbour, reaching her station again at 5.5.— Rewards, £8.

LIFE-BOAT AND TUG TO HELP OF . SWEDISH SHIP Caister, Norfolk.—At 8.50 on the evening of the 12th of January, 1955.

the life-boat motor mechanic noticed distress rockets two and a half miles to the eastward. At 9.5 the life-boat Jose Neville was launched. There was a heavy ground swell, a moderate breeze was blowing from west-by- north, and the tide was half flood.

The life-boat found the motor vessel Nissan, of Halmstad, Sweden, with a crew of ten, leaking through her stern tube and in need of a tug. The life- boat wirelessed for one, put two men aboard the vessel, and stood by until the tug arrived. The tug took the Nissan in tow and was escorted to Great Yarmouth harbour by the life- boat, which reached her station again at four o'clock on the morning of the 13th.—Property Salvage Case.

SICK WOMAN BROUGHT FROM SHETLAND ISLAND Aith, Shetland. — At 1.40 on the afternoon of the 14th of January, 1955, the County Medical Officer of Health rang up to say that a surgeon and a sister from a hospital in Lerwick, who had been sent to Tangwick to attend a woman with appendicitis, had been unable to go further than Hillswick because of heavy snow. He asked if the life-boat would take them on from Hillswick, and at 2.15 the life-boat The Rankin put out in a rough sea.

A fresh north-north-west breeze was blowing, and there were heavy snow showers. The life-boat reached Hills- wick at four o'clock, embarked the surgeon, the sister, the local doctor and stretcher bearers, and then made for Tangwick, which she reached at 5.20. A small boat took the medical attendants ashore, and about three hours later the life-boat re-embarked them and the patient. They were all landed at Hillswick at 9.55. The | woman was taken at once to hospital in Lerwick by road, and the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 11.45. The patient's life was saved.

The surgeon and the doctor from Hillswick thanked the life-boat station.

—Rewards, £22 17*. Refunded to the Institution by the St. Andrew's and Red Cross Scottish Ambulance Service.

WOMAN TAKEN TO ORKNEYS HOSPITAL Stromness, Orkneys.—At five o'clock on the afternoon of the 14th of Jan- uary, 1955, a local doctor asked if the life-boat would take a sick woman in need of hospital treatment to Scapa pier, because the road from Stromness to Kirkwall was blocked by snow.

At 5.45 the life-boat J.J'.K.S.W., with the patient, her husband and the doctor on board, put out in a smooth sea. There was a light north-westerly breeze and the tide was ebbing. The life-boat reached Scapa two hours later. The woman was taken to a hospital in Kirkwall, and the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 10.30.—Rewards, £11 18s. 6d. Re- funded to the Institution by the St.

Andrew's and Red Cross Scottish Ambulance Service.

FOOD BROUGHT BY LIFE-BOAT AFTER SNOWSTORMS Thurso, Caithness-shire. — At eight o'clock on the evening of the 14th of January, 1955, the police asked if the life-boat would take provisions to Reay, as the roads were blocked by snow, and also convey a body in a coffin to Port- skerra. At 8.45 on the 15th the life- boat H.C.J. embarked the coffin and put out. There was a rough sea and a moderate westerly breeze was blowing.

The life-boat landed the provisions at Reay, put the body ashore at Port- skerra, and then returned to her station, arriving at 3.30.—Rewards, £20 Is. Qd.

CREW LANDED FROM GLASGOW COASTER Troon, Ayrshire.—At four o'clock on the morning of the 16th of January, 1955, the Kildonan coastguard tele- phoned that he had seen a red flare east of Kildonan. At 5.40 the life- boat Sir David Richmond of Glasgow put out. The sea was moderate, there was a light north-easterly breeze, and it was high water. The life-boat found the S.S. Cuban, of Glasgow, a small coaster with a crew of two, high and dry on the rocks on Lady Isle.

The men said they would remain in her until the afternoon in case the ship could be refloated. As they were in no immediate danger, the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 9.45. At two o'clock in the afternoon, the life-boat put to sea again and found that the S.S. Boer, another small coaster, was standing by the Cuban.

The life-boat passed a tow rope to the Cuban from the Boer, and the Boer tried to pull her clear. The Cuban remained fast on the rocks, so the life-boat took off her crew and landed them at Troon, reaching her station again at 5.50.—Rewards, £21, SHIP IN TOW ESCORTED IN GALE Douglas, Isle of Man.—At 7.10 on the morning of the 16th of January, 1955, the Ramsey coastguard reported that the motor vessel Saint Kentigern, of Glasgow, had sent a distress message.

He later gave her position as five miles south-east-by-south of Maughold Head. The ship was in danger of going aground on the Bahama Bank, and at 8.20 the life-boat Millie Walton was launched in an ebbing tide. The sea was very rough, a gale was blowing from the north-north-east, and it was snowing heavily. The life-boat found the Saint Kentigern broken down and in tow of a steamer eighteen miles south-east-by-east of Douglas Head.

At the request of the skipper of the Saint Kentigern the life-boat escorted both her and the steamer to Douglas Bay. The life-boat reached her station again at 9.30.—Rewards, £40.

LIFE-BOAT LANDS MEDICAL SUPPLIES Thurso, Caithness-shire.—At 9.30 on the night of the 15th of January, 1955, the County Clerk for Sutherland informed the life-boat station that the roads to Skerray and Melvich were blocked by snow and that about a hundred people were beginning to be short of food. He asked if the life- boat would take provisions and medi- cal supplies to Melvich. At 11.30 on the morning of the 16th the life-boat H.C.J. embarked the provisions, medical supplies and mail, and put out in a very rough sea. There was a strong northerly breeze, and it was snowing. Weather conditions at Mel- vich were too bad for the life-boat to come alongside and she was unable to put the provisions ashore. But with great difficulty she landed the medical supplies. The 'life-boat then went further along the coast to find a suit- able place for landing the provisions, but the weather worsened and she found that it was impossible to land them. She therefore returned to her station, arriving at 6.30.—Rewards, £20 Is. 6d.

FISHING BOAT ESCORTED TO WHITBY Whitby, Yorkshire.—On the morning of the 16th of January, 1955, the weather deteriorated, and about 9.20 the coastguard told the coxswain of the No. 1 life-boat that the local fishing boat Provider A. was still at sea. She was making for the harbour, and at 9.45, at high water, the No. 1 life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth was launched in a moderate sea, with a north-north-east gale blowing. She escorted the Provider A. to the harbour and reached her station again at 10.35.—Rewards, £9 2s. Qd.

FOOD BROUGHT BY STROMNESS LIFE-BOAT Stromness, Orkneys.—At eight o'clock on the evening of the 17th of January, 1955, news reached the life-boat station that food was short in the Quoyloo district, and that supplies could not be taken overland as the roads were blocked by snow. At 11.15 on the morning of the 18th the life-boat J.J.K.S.W. embarked meat, bread, mail and newspapers and put out. The sea was very rough, a strong north-westerly breeze was blow- ing, and there were snow showers.

The life-boat reached Skaill about 1.30, and two dinghies put off from the shore and ferried the stores ashore.

The life-boat stood by the boats until they had completed their trips and then returned to her station, arriving at three o'clock.—Rewards, £1313*. 6d.

WOMAN TAKEN TO ORKNEYS HOSPITAL Stromness, Orkneys.—At ten o'clock on the morning of the 19th of January, 1955, a local doctor asked if the life- boat would take a sick woman to Scapa, who needed hospital treatment in Kirkwall, as the road to Kirkwall from Stromness was blocked by snow.

At 11.25 the life-boat J. J. K. S. W.

embarked the patient and her son and daughter and put out in a smooth sea, with a light north-westerly bree/.e blowing. She reached Scapa at 12.50 and the woman was landed. The life- boat then embarked four people who were going to Stromness, and food, and returned to her station, arriving at 3.45,—Rewards, £13 13s. 6d. Refund- ed to the Institution by the St. Andrew's and Red Cross Scottish Ambulance Service.

MAN TAKEN FROM IRISH LIGHTVESSEL Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford.—At 11.50 on the morning of the 20th of January, 1955, the Commissioners of Irish Lights reported that the father of the fog signalman on the Black- water lightvessel had died in Wexford and asked if the life-boat would land the man to attend his father's funeral.

No other boat was available and at 12.30 the life-boat Douglas Hyde put out. The sea was rough, and a fresh breeze was blowing from the south.

The life-boat landed the man and reached Jier station again at 4.50.— Partly Permanent Paid Crew: Re- wards, £9 19s.

DOCTOR AND NURSE TAKEN TO HOY Stromness, Orkneys.—At 2.55 on the afternoon of the 20th of January, 1955, a local County Councillor asked if the life-boat would take a doctor and a nurse from Stromness to Hoy to attend a very old lady who had pneu- monia at Linksness. The doctor at Longhope was unable to make the journey because the roads were blocked by heavy snow. At 3.40 the life-boat J.J.K.S.W. put out with a doctor and a nurse. The sea was choppy, and a strong breeze was blowing from the south. The life-boat reached Hoy pier at 4.20, and the doctor and nurse went ashore. They treated the patient, but found that she, was too ill to be moved. The doctor and nurse re- embarked in the life-boat at 5.10 and the life-boat then returned to Strom- ness, arriving at 5.40. Unfortunately the patient died on the 21st. The County Councillor expressed his thanks to the life-boat station and the life- boatmen.—Rewards, £11 19*.

AWARD FOR CLOUGHEY COXSWAIN On the 21st of January, 1955, the Cloughey life-boat rescued eleven men from the M.V. Roskva, of Bergen.

For a full account of this service and the awards made, see page 53.

LIFE-BOAT STANDS BY MOTOR TRAWLER Lowestoft, Suffolk.—At 5.25 on the afternoon of the 21st of January, 1955, the coastguard reported that he had seen red flares three quarters of a mile east-south-east of the coastguard sta- tion. At 5.40 the life-boat Michael Stephens put out. There was a moder- ate sea, a fresh south-easterly breeze was blowing, and it was two hours before high water. The life-boat found the local motor trawler Grasby, with a crew of- eight, anchored near the Xewcombe sandbank. Her engines had broken down. The skipper asked the life-boat to stand by his ship until a tug arrived. The life-boat remained with her until the tug took the trawler in tow, and then returned to her station, arriving at 7.45.—Rewards, £12 2s. Od.

RESCUE FROM A PANAMANIAN STEAMER On the evening of the 21st of January, 1955, the St. Mary's, Scilly Islands, life-boat was called out to go to the help of a Panamanian steamer.

After a dangerous passage among rocks and in dense fog the life-boat rescued the whole of the steamer's crew of twenty-five. For a full account of this service, for which Coxswain Matthew Lethbridge was awarded the bronze medal, see page 50.

FISHING BOAT TOWED TO WORKINGTON Workington, Cumberland.—At 7.40 on the evening of the 23rd of January, 1955, a man reported that he had seen red Very lights off the entrance to the harbour. At 7.50 the life-boat Manchester and Salford XXIX put out. The sea was calm, there was a light south-westerly breeze, and it was two hours after low water. The life-boat found the local fishing boat Mary Jane, with a crew of four, anchored to the north of the harbour.

Her engine had broken down. The life-boat towed her to Workington, arriving at 8.35.—Rewards, £7 17*. 6d.

SICK MAN TAKEN OFF LIGHTVESSEL Arklow, Co. Wicklow.—At 6.25 on the evening of the 25th of January, 1955, the Commissioners of Irish Lights tele- phoned that a relative of a member of the crew of the Arklow lightvessel was seriously ill, and asked if the life-boat would land the man. At 6.56 the life-boat Inbhear Mor embarked a relief man, and made for the light- vessel in a rough sea with a fresh southerly breeze blowing. She put the relief aboard the lightvessel, took the other man ashore, and reached her station again at 10.35.—Rewards, £13 3*.

The following life-boats went out on service, but could find no ships in distress, were not needed or could do nothing: Workington, Cumberland. — January 2nd.—Rewards, £21 14s.6d.

Ramsey, Isle of Man.—Januarv 2nd.

—Rewards, £25 2*. 6d.

Barrow, Lancashire.—Januarv 3rd.— Rewards, £35 12s.6d.

Penlee, Cornwall. — January 4th. — Rewards, £9 19s. 6d.

Whitby, Yorkshire.—January llth.— Rewards, £9 12s.6d.

Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. — January llth.—Rewards, £10 16s.

Baltimore, Co. Cork.—January 12th.

—Rewards, £41I2s.6d Islay, Inner Hebrides.—January 13th.

—Rewards, £5 16s.

The Mumbles, Glamorganshire. — January 13th.—Rewards, £23 14s. lOd.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire. — January 13th.~-Rewards, £38 13s.

Courtmacsherry Harbour, Co. Cork.

—January 14th.—Rewards, £14 18,9.

Stronsay, Orkneys.—January 17th.— Rewards, £12 14s. 6d.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. — January 22nd.—Rewards, £12 9s.

Holyhead, Anglesey.—January 24th.

—Rewards, £21 12s.

ALL-NIGHT SEARCH FOR AIRCRAFT PILOT St. Ives, and Sennen Cove, Cornwall.— At 8.53 on the evening of the 24th of January, 1955, the St. Ives coastguard rang up the St. Ives life-boat station to say that a Firefly aircraft had crashed, and that men had been seen in a rubber dinghy eighteen miles north-north-west of St. Ives Head.

The position was later given as twenty-two miles west-north-west of St. Ives Head. At 9.14 the life-boat Edgar, George, Orlando and Eva Child was launched. There was a heavy ground swell, and a light north- easterly breeze was blowing. A steamer found two men in the dinghy and picked them up, but the pilot was missing. The life-boat searched for him all night, but did not find him.

At 12.53 early on the 25th the St.

Just coastguard asked if the Sennen Cove life-boat would relieve the St.

Ives life-boat, which intended break- ing off the search at eight o'clock. At five o'clock the life-boat Susan Ashley was launched. The sea was then smooth, and there was a light south- westerly breeze. The Sennen Cove life-boat searched the area twenty miles north of Longships in company with naval vessels, but found nothing.

The St. Ives life-boat reached her station again at 1.10 in the afternoon.

The search had been called off by the R.A.F. at nine o'clock in the morning, and the Sennen Cove life-boat was recalled to her station. As conditions were not suitable for rehousing her, she made for Newlyn, arriving at 2.30 in the afternoon. She was taken back to her station on the 28th.— Rewards: St. Ives, £38 6s. 6d.; Sennen Cove, £40 Is.

Rosslare Harbour, Go. Wexford. — January 26th.—Rewards £18 Us.

Troon, Ayrshire. — January 26th. — Rewards, £8.

Amble, Northumberland. — January 27th.—Rewards, £7.

FEBRUARY DUKIXG February life-boats were launched 37 times and rescued 20 lives.

TRAWLER TOWED OFF ROCKS Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire. — At 12.43 early on the morning of the 1st of February, 1955, the coastguard tele- phoned that a trawler had run on the rocks at Inverallochy. At 1.12 the life- boat The Duchesx of Kent was launched.

There was a moderate swell and a fresh southerly breeze, and the tide was flood- ing. The life-boat found the steam trawler Rugby, of Leith, with a crew of twelve, three quarters of a mile south- east of Cairnbulg beacon. The life- boat ran out a kedge anchor and took | the trawler in tow to prevent her from being driven further ashore. The llugby refloated a little later, and went on her way to Aberdeen. The life-boat re- turned to her station, arriving at 3.34.

—Property Salvage Case.

COBLE ESCORTED TO FILEY Filey, Yorkshire.—At noon on the 3rd of February, 1955, the coxswain re- ported that the local fishing coble Catherine and Ann was at sea. The weather was becoming worse, and at 12.15 the life-boat The Isa & Pennjn Milsted was launched in a heavy swell.

There was a moderate easterly breeze and the tide wras flooding. The life- boat escorted the fishing coble to the shore and arrived back at her station at 1.30.—Rewards, £12 18s.

INJURED MEN TAKEN FROM NAVAL TUG St. Mary's, Scilly Islands.—At 11.26 on the morning of the 5th of February.

1955, the coastguard telephoned that the Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth, had asked if the life-boat would land three injured men from the naval tug Warden. The tug had been helping to tow H.M.S. Montclare, a submarine depot ship, to Portsmouth, but the tow rope had parted about twenty-five miles west of the Scilly Islands. A helicopter had transferred a naval doctor to the Montclare, and another helicopter had reconnected the tow ropes between her and other tugs. After this the Mont- clare had resumed her passage.

At noon the life-boat Cunard, with a local doctor on board, was launched in a heavy swell. A moderate north- westerly breeze was blowing, and the tide was flooding. The life-boat came up with the Warden between Annett Island and Samson Island and put the doctor on board. She then guided the tug to more sheltered water and took on board the three men and the naval doctor, who had also been hurt. The life-boat landed them all at St. Mary's at 12.30, where an ambulance was waiting. The Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth, expressed his thanks.—Re- wards, £8 12s.

FOURTEEN FISHING BOATS ESCORTED Bridlington, Yorkshire.—On the morn- ing of the 7th of February, 1955, the weather worsened while fourteen local fishing boats were at sea, and at ten o'clock the life-boat Tillie Morrison, Sheffield II was launched, with an ex- coxswain in charge. The sea was rough, a south-south-west gale was blowing, and it was an hour before low water. The life-boat escorted all the boats to the harbour and reached her station again at 2.19.—Rewards, £16 4s. 6d.

ESCORT FOR FISHING BOATS IN ROUGH SEA Whitby, Yorkshire.—At 2.30 oil the afternoon of the 10th of February, 19,55. the skipper of a fishing boat told the coxswain that anxiety was felt for the safety of the fishing boats Faith Star, Success, and Lead Us. At 2.35 the Xo. 1 life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth was launched. The sea was rough, a strong west-north-west breeze was blowing, and it was two hours after low water. The life-boat escorted the boats to the harbour and arrived back at her station at 3.30.—Rewards, £8 12s. 6rf MOTOR VESSEL TOWED OFF ROCKS Flamborough, Yorkshire.—At 12.16 early on the morning of the llth of February, 1955, the Flamborough Head coastguard telephoned that the motor vessel Friargate, of Hull, had wirelessed that she had run on the rocks at Flam- borough Head. At 12.40 the life-boat Friendly Forester was launched in a very heavy sea with a northerly gale blowing.

It was low water.

The life-boat made for the position in heavy snow showers and found the Friargate being pounded by heavy seas.

The coxswain spoke her by radio tele- phone, and the master replied that the coastguard Life-saving Apparatus com- pany had got a line aboard from the shore. Seas were breaking completely over the Friargate, but the coastguard took the master and his crew of four ashore by breeches buoy and signalled the life-boat that they had done so.

Because of the weather the life-boat then made for Bridlington, arriving at 3.40, The master later asked if the life-boat would take him and two of his crew back to their ship, and at 4.15 the life-boat embarked them and put to sea again. She found that the Friargate had moved on the rising tide, and this made it easier for the life-boat to come alongside. She put the master, his two men and three members of the life-boat crew on board, and the vessel's main engines were started.

The life-boat took the Friargate in tow, and with help from the Friargate's engines pulled her clear of the rocks.

It was then discovered that the Friar- gate was making water and that her steering gear had jammed. She started to drift, but a tug arrived and towed her to Bridlington, escorted by the life- boat. They arrived at Bridlington at noon. The life-boat remained there be- cause of the weather and was taken back to her station on the 14th.—Pro- perty Salvage Case.

FISHING BOAT TOWED IN AFTER LONG SEARCH Lerwick, Shetlands.—At 4.45 on the afternoon of the llth of February, 1955, a man rang up to say that the local fishing boat Ploughboy had left for the fishing grounds at four in the morning, with a crew of two, but had not returned.

Enquiries were made about her along the coast, and at 5.24 in the afternoon it was reported that she had been seen drifting between Mousa and Sumburgh Head. At 5.55 the life-boat City of Glasgow, on temporary duty at the station, put out with the second cox- swain in charge in a very rough sea, with a strong north-easterly breeze blowing. There were heavy snow showers, and it was two hours before low water. The life-boat made a search and found the Ploughboy east of Virkie at 1.15 early on the 12th. The Plough- boy had run short of fuel, so the life-boat towed her to Lerwick, reaching her station again at nine o'clock, after spending fifteen hours at sea.—Re- wards, £34 5s.

FOUR LANDED FROM MOTOR LAUNCH Coverack, Cornwall.—At 5.28 on the afternoon of the 12th of February, 1955, the coxswain reported that he had seen a boat drifting off the Manacles and later stated that a steamer was with her.

At 5.50 the life-boat William Taylor of Oldham was launched in a rough sea, with a fresh north-north-east wind blowing. She found the steamer tow- ing the 20-feet motor launch Tarka and her punt two miles south-south-east of the Manacles. The Tarka had a crew of four. She had been bound for Hel- ford River from Falmouth, but had fouled her propeller. The steamer had been unable to take the four people on board, so the life-boat embarked them and took over the tow. The life-boat- men gave them rum and took the Tarka and her punt to Coverack, arriving at 7.45.—Rewards, £11 18*. 6d.

LAUNCHED THREE TIMES TO FRENCH TRAWLER Caister, Norfolk.—At 6.35 on the morning of the 13th of February, 1955, the Great Yarmouth coastguard tele- phoned to say the North Foreland radio station had reported that the motor trawler Saint-Pierre-Eglise, of Bou- logne, had run ashore north of Winter- ton. At 7.15 the life-boat Jose Neville was launched. The sea was very rough, a strong north-easterly breeze was blowing, and it was an hour after low water. The life-boat found the trawler on Waxham beach, but could come no nearer to her than a quarter of a mile because of the sandbanks and heavy seas. She stood by while the trawler's crew of eighteen were taken ashore by breeches buoy by the coastguard Life- Saving Apparatus company and then returned to her station, arriving at noon.

On the 14th the trawler's agents asked if the life-boat would help to re- float the vessel, and at 5.30 in the morning the life-boat was launched in better weather. She passed wires from the trawler to- a tug, but efforts to refloat the trawler failed, and the life- boat returned to her station, arriving at 3.30. Ten trawlermen and members of the life-boat crew re-boarded the vessel in further attempts to refloat her, and at 6.45 on the morning of the 16th the life-boat was launched for the third time.

She laid out an anchor for the trawler and helped the tug take her in tow, but all efforts to refloat her were again un- successful. The weather worsened and she heeled over. The men were taken ashore by the Life-Saving Apparatus Company, and the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 3.30—Rewards: 1st service, £22 14?. 6d.; 2nd and 3rd services, no expense to the Institution.

SICK MAN TAKEN TO MAINLAND Galway Bay.—At one o'clock on the afternoon of the 15th of February, 1955, the local doctor asked if the life- boat would take a sick man in need of hospital treatment to the mainland, as no other suitable boat was available.

At 1.45 the life-boat Mabel Marion Thomson embarked the patient and the district nurse and put out in a calm sea, with a northerly breeze blowing.

The life-boat landed the man at Ros- saveal, where an ambulance was wait- ing, and returned to her station, arriving at 5.45.—Rewards, £10 19s. Refunded to the Institution by the Galway County Council.

FISHING BOAT ESCORTED TO DUNBAR Dunbar, East Lothian.—At 7.15 on the evening of the 15th of February, 1955, the coastguard telephoned that the local fishing boat Primrose, which had a crew of four, had not returned and had last been seen by fishermen near Mav Island. Ten minutes later the life-boat George and Sarah Straehan was launched and made a search in a heavy swell, with a strong north-north-east wind blowing and mist. She found the Primrose four miles north of Dunbar.

Her engine had broken down, but her crew were able to repair it. The life- boat escorted her to Dunbar, reaching her station again at 8.45.—Rewards, £7.

ESCORT FOR EIGHT FISHING BOATS Scarborough, Yorkshire. — On the morning of the 16th of February, 1955, the weather worsened while fishing boats were at sea, and at 11.5 the life- boat E.C.J.R. was launched to escort them in. The sea was heavy, a moder- ate north-easterly gale was blowing, and there were snow showers. The life-boat escorted in the local fishing boats Courage, Pilot Me, and Brilliant Star, and the Whitby fishing boats Lead Us, Provider, Success II, Faith Star, and Pilot Me II. She reached her station again at four o'clock.-—Rewards, £22 3s.

STANDING BY AT HARBOUR BAR Girvan, Ayrshire. —At 6.30 on the evening of the 16th of February, 1955, the coastguard rang up to say that the local fishing boat Aurora had wirelessed that the fishing boat Thorn Paul, of Whitehaven, had lost her rudder about nine miles west of Girvan. The Aurora was going to her help. At seven o'clock the life-boat Frank and William Oates was launched in a rough sea. There was a strong north-north-west wind, and the tide was ebbing. The life-boat stood by at the harbour bar until the Aurora entered the harbour with the Thorn Paul in tow, and then returned to her station, arriving at 7.35.—Rewards, £6 7*. 6d.

TWO MEN RESCUED AFTER LONG NIGHT SEARCH Torbay, Devon.—At 11.20 on the night of the 16th of February, 1955, the Brixham coastguard telephoned that a woman had reported that her husband had gone to Dartmouth with a friend to fetch the 24-feet motor boat Nep- tunia to Torquay. They had left Dart- mouth about 3.30 in the afternoon, but nothing had been heard of them since.

At 11.45 the life-boat Queen Victoria, on temporary duty at the station, put out.

The sea was calm, there was a light north-westerly breeze, and it was one hour before high water. The life-boat searched widely all night but found nothing, and returned to her station about four in the morning. She re- fuelled and put to sea again, and at dawn an aircraft also joined in the search. At 7.30 the life-boat found the Neptunia seven miles east-by-south of Start Point. She was drifting, with her engine broken down, and the two men were cold and exhausted. The life-boat rescued them and towed their boat to Torquay harbour, arriving at 10.40.—• Rewards, £22 5,?.

TWELVE BOATS ESCORTED TO GIRVAN Girvan, Ayrshire.—At ten o'clock on the morning of the 17th of February, 1955, the coxswain reported that local fishing boats were returning to the har- bour in a rough sea and a strong north- north-west wind, and that conditions at the harbour bar were dangerous. At 10.15 the life-boat Frank and William Gates was launched in an ebbing tide.

She escorted in twelve boats and re- turned to her station, arriving at 12.15.

—Rewards, £6 8s.

WHITBY BOATS ESCORTED AFTER SHELTERING Whitby, Yorkshire.—At 4.26 on the afternoon of the 17th of February, 1955, it was reported that five local fishing boats, which had taken shelter in Scar- borough harbour from the bad weather, had left Scarborough and were on their way back to Whitby. The weather had moderated slightly, but conditions at the harbour bar were still dangerous, and at 4.30 the No. 1 life-boat Mary Ann Hep- worth was launched. The sea was rough, and a north-easterly breeze was blowing. The life-boat escorted in the boats and then returned to her station, arriving at 6.30.—Rewards, £9 4s.

BOAT FOUND DRIFTING DURING SEARCH FOR SEAMEN Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—At 11.32 on the morning of the 20th of February, 1955, the coastguard telephoned that the trawler Denise Germaine, of Zee- brugge, had been wrecked on the Long Sandbank, west-by-north of the Barrow Deep lightvessel. Two of her crew had been picked up by a passing vessel, but two others were missing. At 11.50 the life-boat Sir Godfrey Baring was launched in a slight swell, with a light breeze blowing and an ebbing tide.

She searched in company with a heli- copter, but found only two small boats drifting- two miles north of North Knock Buoy. One of them was waterlogged, but she towed the other one to her station, which she reached at 8.45.

On the 24th Lloyd's agent at Col- chester asked if the life-boat would take out a surveyor to view the wreck as no other boat could be obtained. Weather conditions were not suitable until the 27th, and at 5.50 that morning the life- boat embarked Lloyd's agent and the surveyor and made for the position.

There was a moderate swell and a moderate east-north-east breeze. No trace of the Denise Germaine was seen.

The life-boat reached her station again at 11.15.—Rewards: 1st service, £25 4s. 9d.; 2nd service, £23 17*. The rewards for the second service were refunded to the Institution by Lloyd's Agency.

MAN WITH APPENDICITIS TAKEN BY LIFE-BO AT Lerwick, Shetlands.—At 12.50early on the morning of the 21st of February, 1955, the Medical Officer of Health for Shetland asked if the life-boat would fetch a man from Tingwall, who was suffering from acute appendicitis, as the roads were completely blocked with snow. At 1.35 the life-boat Lady Jane and Martha Ryland embarked two stretcher bearers and put out in a choppy sea. A moderate south- easterly breeze was blowing, and the tide was ebbing. The life-boat reached Tingwall at 2.10, took the patient on board, and landed him at Lerwick 3.10.

His life was saved.—Rewards, £6. Re- funded to the Institution by the St.

Andrew's and Red Cross Scottish Ambulance Service.

SECOND COXSWAIN BOARDS ITALIAN STEAMER Dover, Kent. — About 4.45 on the morning of the 21st of February, 1955, the harbourmaster reported that a vessel had stranded on the rocks east of St. Margaret's Bay. At 5.15 the life- boat Southern Africa put out. The sea was rough, a strong easterly breeze was blowing, and it was low water. The life-boat found the S.S. Montiso, of Genoa, aground in very shallow water east of Hope Point. With difficulty the second coxswain boarded her to help make tugs fast to her. The life-boat passed a rope from a tug to the steamer, but it parted. The life-boat then passed wire hawsers to her from two other tugs, which refloated the Monviso a little later. The second coxswain re- mained aboard while the tugs, with the life-boat standing by, towed her to Dover, where they arrived at 12.50.— Property Salvage Case.

SAILING BARGE TOWED TO CLACTON Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—On the morn- ing of the 21st of February, 1955, it was thought that the sailing barges May. of Ipswich, and Portlight, of Harwich, each with a crew of two, were in a dangerous position because of the bad weather. They had been at anchor about two miles east-north-east of Clacton pier since the evening before.

At 10.25 the Portlight burnt a flare, and at 10.38 the life-boat Sir Godfrey Baring was launched in a rough sea.

There was a strong east-by-north wind, and it was high water. The life-boat found that both barges were dragging their anchors. She made at once for the May, which was nearer the shore, and wirelessed for the Walton and Frinton life-boat to help the Portlight.

The Clacton-on-Sea life-boat towed the May to Felixstowe and then went to Harwich because of the weather, re- turning to her station the following morning. The Walton and Frinton life-boat towed the Portlight to Har- wich.—Property Salvage Case.

SECOND LIFE-BOAT TO HELP OF BARGES Walton and Frinton, Essex.—About noon on the 21st of February, 1955, a wireless message was received from the Clacton-on-Sea life-boat, which had been launched to the sailing barges May, of Ipswich, and Portlight, of Harwich, which each had a crew of two.

The message stated that the barges were dragging their anchors about two miles east-north-east of Clacton pier, and that the Clacton life-boat was going to the help of the May. The Walton and Frinton life-boat was asked to put off to the Portlight, and at 12,25 the life-boat E.M.E.D., on temporary duty at the station, put to sea. The sea was rough, a strong breeze was blowing from east-by-north, and it was high water.

The Walton and Frinton life-boat found the Portlight dragging towards a lee shore, with her top sail blown away and her lee-board badly damaged. Two members of the life-boat's crew went aboard, and the life-boat took her in tow. She towed the Portlight to Felixstowe, landed her crew at Har- wich, and then returned to her station, arriving at nine o'clock. The Clacton- on-Sea life-boat towed the May to Felixstowe.—Property Salvage Case.

SEVEN RESCUED FROM FRENCH TRAWLER Howth, Co. Dublin.—At 5.40 on the afternoon of the 23rd of February, 1955, the trawler Therese Emile Yuon, of Concarneau, France, whose engine had broken down, was seen to break adrift from a Howth fishing boat, which was towing her towards the harbour.

The trawler was soon blown on to a sandbank about half a mile north-west of the harbour, and at 6.15, at low water, the life-boat R.P.L. was launched. The sea was very rough, there was a fresh easterly breeze, and it was snowing. The life-boat tried to refloat the trawler, but failed. She then went alongside, rescued the crew of seven and arrived back at her station at ten o'clock. The trawler became a total wreck.—Rewards, £13 4s.

TWENTY-FOUR LANDED FROM AMERICAN STEAMER Selsey, Sussex.—At 11.5 on the night of the 23rd of February, 1955, the coastguard rang up to say that the S.S.

Meta D., of New York, a Vessel of 7,212 tons laden with coal and with a crew of thirty-eight, had gone aground on the Middle Grounds, four and a half miles south of Selsey Bill. Ten minutes later the life-boat Canadian Pacific was launched in a moderate sea. There was a fresh easterly breeze and the tide was flooding. There had been a warning of a north-easterly gale, and the coxswain thought it best to land the thirty-eight men, but fourteen declined to leave their ship. The life-boat took the other twenty-four to Portsmouth and landed them there at four o'clock on the morning of the 24th. About 6.20 the life-boat left Portsmouth and stood by the Meta D., while tugs tried to refloat her. They were not success- ful. The weather moderated later in the day, and the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at four in the after- noon. The Meta D. was refloated that evening.—Rewards, £47 7*. Id.

STEAMER REFLOATED Walmer, Kent.—At 6.5 on the morn- ing of the 24th of February, 1955, the Deal coastguard telephoned that the S.S. Foch Rose, of Liverpool, which had a crew of twelve, had run aground on Oldstairs Shoal. At 6.30 the life- boat Charles Dibdin, Civil Service No. 2 was launched. The sea was rough, a strong easterly breeze was blowing, and the tide was low. The life-boat found the steamer two miles south of Deal Bank Buoy and put five members of her crew on board. At the request of the master the life-boat then ran out a kedge anchor for her and stood by with tugs. About nine o'clock the Foch Rose refloated. The life-boat escorted her to Dover and then returned to her station, arriving at 11.20.— Property Salvage Case.

MOTOR BOAT TOWED IN THROUGH BLIZZARD Fleetwood, Lancashire.—At 4.15 on the morning of the 24th of February, 1955, the police rang up to say that the 16-feet outboard motor boat Lady Luck, of Morecambe, which had put out with two men on board, was overdue.

At 5.10 the life-boat Ann Letitia Russell was launched. The sea was rough, a fresh easterly breeze was blowing, and the tide was half ebb. The life-boat searched widely in a blizzard and found the Lady Luck anchored in Morecambe Bay and flying a distress signal. The men on board were suffering from ex- posure and had been without food for twelve hours. The life-boatmen gave them rum and hot soup and towed the boat to Heysham. The life-boat reached her station again at 12.35.

—Rewards. £24 8s.

RELIEF MEN PUT ON BOARD TORPEDO BOAT Beaumarls, Anglesey.—At 9.30 on the morning of the 24th of February, 1955, the marine superintendent of a firm of boat builders reported that the motor torpedo boat Dark Antagonist, under the firm's control, was moored in Friar's Bay with a watchman on board.

He asked if the life-boat would land the man and take out two other men. At 9.45, as no other boat was available, the life-boat N.T., on temporary duty at the station, was launched in a rough sea. There was a strong east-south- east breeze blowing and a blizzard.

The life-boat landed the man at Beau- maris, put the two relief men aboard, and then towed the Dark Antagonist to safer moorings at Menai Bridge. She reached her station again at 5.45. The boat builders expressed their thanks and refunded the expenses to the Insti- tution.—Rewards, £19 19s.

FISHING BOAT TOWED TO HOWTH Howth, Co. Dublin.—At 5.40 on the afternoon of the 27th of February, 1955, a flare was seen off Ireland's Eye. At six o'clock the life-boat R.P.L. was launched. The sea was choppy, a fresh southerly breeze was blowing, and the tide was flooding. The life-boat found the fishing boat Paragon, of Howth, with a crew of two, broken down two miles east of Ireland's Eye. She towed her .to harbour, arriving back at her station at 7.45.—Rewards, £5 8s.

The following life-boats went out on service, but could find no ships in distress, were not needed or could do nothing: Margate, Kent. — February 14th.— Rewards, £10 16s.

Sheringham, Norfolk.—February 15th.

—Rewards, £23 8s.

Whitby, Yorkshire.—February 16th.— Rewards, £16 8s. Qd.

Tynemouth, Northumberland.—Feb- ruary 20th.—Rewards, £10.

Margate, Kent. — February 23rd. — Rewards, £20 165.

SEARCH FOR FISHING BOAT'S SKIPPER Gampbeltown, Argyllshire.—At 9.5 on the morning of the 28th of February, 1955, the Southend coastguard tele- phoned that an ex-coastguardsman at Feorlin had reported that two ex- hausted men from the fishing boat Girl Ann, of Fraserburgh, had reached his house and stated that their ship had run ashore on the southern side of Mull two miles from Feorlin. They said that seven men were aboard, and at 9.24 the life-boat City of Glasgow II put out in a very heavy sea. There was a moderate southerly gale, and the tide was flooding. A message was then re- ceived that five of the men had reached the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse. From them it was learnt that one of the men said to be still on board the Girl Ann was dead, but that the skipper was still missing. The life-boat searched for the skipper, but did not find him and arrived back at her station at 2.20.

The Girl Ann became a total wreck.— Rewards, £15.

Caister, Norfolk.—February 28th.— Rewards, £14 8s. 6d.

MARCH DURING March life-boats were launched 33 times and rescued 6 lives.

DOCTOR TAKEN TO LONDON STEAMER Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—At 8.43 on the evening of the 4th of March, 1955, the coastguard rang up to say that the S.S. Mitcham, of London, which was at anchor half a mile south-east of Chap- man Light, had reported that her skipper was ill and needed a doctor. At 9.20 the life-boat Greater London, Civil Service No. 3 embarked a doctor and was launched in a slight sea with a light north-westerly breeze blowing. She put the doctor aboard the steamer, and he found that both the skipper and the chief officer were ill. He treated them and re-embarked in the life-boat, which then returned to her station, arriving at 10.35.—Rewards, £7 15s.

POSTMAN REPORTS SHIP ON FIRE Caister, Norfolk.—At 10.40 on the morning of the llth of March, 1955, a postman told the mechanic of the life- boat that a ship was on fire about one and a half miles south-east of the life- boat station, and that a small tug could be seen amongst the smoke. At 10.55 the life-boat Jose Neville was launched in a heavy swell with a moderate east-north-east breeze blow- ing. She found the motor tug Alcha, of Southend, with a crew of four. The Alcha's engine had broken down, and smoke floats and flares she had burnt had given the impression that she was ablaze. She was rolling heavily and in danger of going ashore. At the request of the tugmen the life-boat towed the Alcha to Great Yarmouth, and reached her station again at two o'clock.—Property Salvage Case.

FISHING BOAT TOWED TO FLEETWOOD Fleetwood, Lancashire.—At 5.30 on the afternoon of the 12th of March, 1955, the Formby coastguard reported that the fishing boat Tranquillity, of Peter- head, had broken down near the More- cambe Bay lightvessel. At 7.18 the coastguard stated that a trawler had found her under sail and had towed her to a position nine miles west-by-south of the lightvessel. At 8.10 the life- boat Ann Letitia Russell was launched in a moderate sea. There was a fresh easterly breeze, and it was low water.

The life-boat found the Tranquillity, which had a crew of two, at anchor ten miles west of Morecambe Bay lightvessel. She towed her to Fleet- wood, reaching her station again at 8.40 on the morning of the 13th.— Rewards, £28 18s.

SICK MAN TAKEN FROM GREEK STEAMER Humber, Yorkshire.—At 9.40 on the morning of the 13th of March, 1955, the Spurn Point coastguard telephoned that the S.S. Hadiotis, of Syra, Greece, which was lying at anchor two miles south of Spurn Point, had signalled that she had a sick steward and needed a doctor. At 10.50 the life-boat City of Bradford III embarked a doctor and was launched in a smooth sea. There was a light north-easterly breeze, and the tide was ebbing. The life-boat put the doctor aboard the steamer, and later re-embarked him and took the sick man to Spurn. She reached her station at 12.10.—Paid Permanent Crew MAN BROUGHT FROM IRISH LIGHTVESSEL Wicklow.—At 11.42 on the night of the 14th of March, 1955, the Com- missioners of Irish Lights rang up to ask if the life-boat would land a man from the Codling lightvessel, as his wife was dangerously ill at Skerries.

At one o'clock on the morning of the 15th the life-boat Lady Kylsant was launched in a choppy sea, with a light south-westerly breeze blowing. She took the man ashore and arrived back at her station at 5.5.—Rewards, £13 16s.

Refunded to the Institution by the Commissioners of Irish lights.

FOUR BOATS ESCORTED TO HARBOUR Whitby, Yorkshire.—On the morning of the 17th of March, 1955, the local fish- ing boats Provider A, Pilot Me and Lead Us were at sea in a strong north- westerly wind and a heavy swell.

About ten o'clock it was learned that the Provider A was returning to the harbour, and at 10.8 the No. 1 life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth was launched to stand by at the bar. She escorted in the Provider A and Lead Us and then waited for the other boat. About an hour later the Pilot Me arrived, and the life-boat escorted her in, reaching her station again at 12.30.—Rewards.

£11 12s. 6d.

COBLE ESCORTED TO AMBLE Amble, Northumberland. — On the morning of the 18th of March, 1955, anxiety was felt for the safety of the local fishing coble Ocean Pride, which was still at sea with a crew of three in worsening weather, and at 11.57 the life-boat City of Bradford II put out.

The sea was rough, a strong northerly breeze was blowing, and the tide was ebbing. The life-boat searched in a north-easterly direction and found the Ocean Pride about 1.50. She escorted her to Amble and reached her station again at 3.30.—Rewards, £10 10s.

BARGE TOWED TO CLACTON Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—At 4.8 on the afternoon of the 19th of March, 1955, the coastguard telephoned that the motor barge Persevere, of Rochester, which had a crew of two, had broken down and sprung a leak and had been taken in tow by a motor vessel. The motor vessel had left her at anchor three quarters of a mile south-west of Swin bell buoy. At 4.23 the life-boat Sir Godfrey Baring was launched. The sea was slight, there was a light north- north-west breeze, and the tide was flooding. The life-boat towed the barge to Brightlingsea and then returned to her station, arriving at 8.30.—Property Salvage Case.

FISHING BOAT TOWED TO ST. ABBS St. Abbs, Berwickshire.—Early on the morning of the 22nd of March, 1955, the local fishing boat True Vine put out with a crew of four. She had not returned by mid-day, and at 12.35, half an hour before high water, the life- boat W. Ross Macarthur of Glasgow was launched, with the second coxswain in charge. The sea was rough, and a moderate south-easterly breeze was blowing. The Cockburnspath coast- guard later reported that a fishing boat could be seen about seven miles north- west of St. Abbs, and the life-boat found her to be the True Vine. Her engine had broken down, and the life- boat towed her to St. Abbs, reaching her station again at 2.50.—Rewards, £8 19s.

LIFE-BOAT STANDS BY VESSEL IN GALE Fowey, Cornwall.—At 5.12 on the morning of the 23rd of March, 1955, the Polruan coastguard telephoned that a man at Hope Cove had reported hear- ing a wireless message that a vessel was in distress in Mevagissey Bay. At 5.45 the life-boat Dencys Keitz put out.

The sea was rough, a moderate south- south-west gale was blowing, and it was high water. The life-boat made for the position and learned from another vessel that the motor vessel Festivity, of London, which had a crew of eight, needed help 011 the eastern side of St. Austell Bay. The life-boat found the Festivity dragging, with two anchors down, eight hundred yards south-west of Polkerris. Her engines were running at full speed. The life- boat stood by until the wind moder- ated and veered and the Festivity weighed her anchors and made for Fowev. The life-boat then returned to her station, arriving at 11.30. The skipper thanked the life-boatmen.— Rewards, £14 5s.

NORWEGIAN SHIP AGROUND ON BREAKWATER Plymouth, Devon.—At5.5 on the morn- ing of the 23rd of March, 1955, the Longroom signal station telephoned that the motor vessel Venus, of Bergen, waiting to embark passengers for Madeira, had wirelessed that she was dragging her anchor in Plymouth Sound and needed a pilot and a tug.

The Venus ran hard aground near Mount Batten breakwater, but no lives were in danger, and two tugs put off about 6.45. At 7.14 the life-boat Thomas Forehead and Mary Rowse put out in a rough sea, with a moderate south-westerly gale blowing and an ebbing tide. She found three naval tugs and the two other tugs trying to refloat the Venus, which remained fast.

The refloating operations were called off at 9.10, and the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 9.30. At 4.5 in the afternoon the life-boat put to sea again and stood by while another attempt to pull the vessel clear was made. This was also unsuccessful, and the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 6.35. The Venus was refloated by three tugs on the morning of the 26th.—Rewards: 1st service, £8 15s.; 2nd service, £8 15*. The master of the Venus thanked the mem- bers of the life-boat crew and gave the proceeds of a seasonal collection in his ship to the Institution.

FRENCH FISHING BOAT TOWED TO HARBOUR St. Mary's, Scilly Islands.—At 8.15 on the evening of the 23rd of March, 1955, a man reported that a small vessel had entered Porthcressa Bay, apparently on her way to St. Mary's for shelter.

He later said the vessel had anchored about seven hundred yards on the landward side of Peninnis lighthouse.

As she was in a dangerous position, the life-boat Cunard was launched at 8.45 in a heavy swell, with a freshening south-westerly wind, an ebbing tide and heavy rain. There had been a gale warning. The life-boat found the fishing boat Keine de la Mer, of Douarnenez, France, with a crew of sixteen. She towed her to harbour, reaching her station again at ten o'clock.—Rewards, £9 2s.

DOCTOR TAKEN TO FISHING BOAT St. Abbs, Berwickshire.—During the morning of the 25th of March, 1955, a wireless message was heard from the fishing boat Lindfar, of Eyemouth, that she was returning to Eyemouth, as a member of her crew had been badly injured by a winch. The tide was too low for her to enter harbour, and at 9.50 the life-boat W. Ross Macarthur of Glasgow was launched, with a doctor on board. There was a moderate swell and a light south-south-west breeze. The life-boat came up with the fishing boat in Eyemouth Roads and put the doctor aboard. He treated the injured man, who was then trans- ferred to the life-boat and taken to St. Abbs, where an ambulance was waiting. The life-boat reached her station again at eleven o'clock.— Rewards, £7 7s.

SKIPPER'S CHILDREN TAKEN OFF DUTCH SHIP Whitby, Yorkshire.—At 3.6 on the morning of the 26th of March, 1955, the coastguard rang up to say that a vessel off Sandsend had flashed an SOS signal. At 3.30 the No. 1 life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth was launched.

There was a ground swell, a light north- westerly breeze was blowing and it was one hour before high water. The life-boat saw distress rockets being fired and found the motor vessel Lea, of Groningen, aground four miles north- west of Whitby. The coxswain shouted to the crew to be ready to jump into the life-boat when she came close enough. With difficulty he took the life-boat alongside, and two of the skipper's children were passed into her.

The life-boat then had to leave the ship because of the swell. She went alongside again and took on board the skipper's third child and his wife. The skipper and his crew of four declined to leave their ship, so the life-boat landed the woman and children and then returned to the Lea and stood by her. When the tide had ebbed, leav- ing the vessel high and dry, the life- boat returned to her station, arriving at 7.30. During the afternoon life-saving apparatus was connected to her from the shore in case the men had to abandon ship in a hurry, for the weather was becoming worse. At 3.25 in the afternoon the life-boat was launched again to stand by with a tug.

The tug was unable to connect a tow rope to the Lea because of the shallow water and heavy swell, and about five o'clock one of the crew was taken ashore by breeches buoy. The four other men preferred to remain in the Lea and the life-boat stood by until the tide fell again. The life-boat finally reached her station at 6.30.—Rewards, £25 14s.

FISHING BOAT TOWED TO NORTH SUNDERLAND North Sunderland, Northumberland.— At 1.31 on the afternoon of the 26th of March, 1955, the Seahouses coast- guard telephoned that the local fishing boat John Wesley, which had a crew of three, had broken down six miles south-south-east of North Sunderlaiid and had been taken in tow by a cargo vessel. The vessel asked if the John Wesley could be towed ashore, and at 2.6 the life-boat Grace Darling was launched. The sea was moderate, a moderate north-easterly breeze was blowing, and it was two hours before high water. The life-boat towed the John Wesley to harbour and arrived back at her station at 2.45.—Rewards, £10 5s.

MAN AND WIFE TAKEN OFF LAUNCH Poole, Dorset.—At 6.15 on the even- ing of the 26th of March, 1955, the police reported that a man and his wife had put out in the local motor launch Renif, but had been missing since 2.35.

At 6.30 the life-boat Thomas Kirk Wright was launched. The sea was rough, a moderate south-westerly gale was blowing, and it was one hour after low water. The life-boat found the Renif broken down at Rum Row in the centre of the harbour. She took on board the two people and towed the launch to Poole, arriving at 8.40. The man and his wife expressed their thanks.—Rewards, £8 4s.

TWO AIRMEN RESCUED AFTER CRASH The Lizard, Cornwall.—At 2.23 on the afternoon of the 31st of March, 1955, the life-boat honorary secretary saw an Avenger aircraft, with a crew of four, from the Royal Naval Air Station at Culdrose, crash into the sea half a mile south-west of Lizard Point. He at once sent off a small rowing boat, manned by two members of the life- boat crew and a lighthouse keeper. By this time the remaining crew of the life-boat Duke of York had also as- sembled, and at 2.44 the life-boat was launched in a slight sea. There was a moderate easterly breeze, and the tide was half ebb. The rowing boat found one airman in a rubber dinghy and another man in the sea. She rescued the man from the sea, and then the life-boat arrived and rescued the man in the dinghy. She took on board the men in the rowing boat, took the boat in tow, and made for her station.

A helicopter had reached the position just after the life-boat, but made for the shore again and landed on the cliff-top near the life-boat station. The life-boat came ashore at three o'clock and landed the survivors, who were then taken by the helicopter to Culdrose.

The life-boat put to sea again, searched for the two missing airmen, but did not find them. She reached her station again at 6.10.—Rewards, £20 13s.

The following life-boats went out on service, but could find no ships in distress, were not needed or could do nothing: Amble, Northumberland. — March 2nd.—Rewards, £8 15s.

Girvan, Ayrshire.—March 7th.—Re- wards, £12 15s.

St. Peter Port, Guernsey.—March 9th.

—Rewards, £9 7s.

Wells, Norfolk. — March 10th. — Re- wards, £15 16s.

Skegness, Lincolnshire.—March 10th.

—Rewards, £11 10s.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex. — March 15th.—Rewards, £11 Is.

Newcastle, Co. Down.—March 16th.— Rewards, £20 10s.

Weymouth, Dorset. — March 20th. — Rewards, £7 7s. 6d.

Portrush, Co. Antrim.—March 21st.

—Rewards, £20 4s.

Sheringham, Norfolk.—March 22nd.

-Rewards, £43 4s.

The Mumbles, Glamorganshire. — -March 23rd.—Rewards, £12 Is.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—March 23rd.

-Rewards, £9.

Workington, Cumberland. — March 24th.—Rewards, £10 105.

Criccieth, Caernarvonshire. — March 24th.—Rewards, £23 3,?.

Barrow, Lancashire.—March 27th.— Rewards, £14. 7*. 6d..