Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.—About 9.15 on the morning of the 29th of July, 1956, the coastguard reported that he had received warning of a full south- westerly gale, and at 9.45 he stated that several fishing boats were at sea.

The wind was freshening, the seas were rising, and there were squalls of rain.

At 10.25 the life-boat Aguila Wren was launched. By this time the full south- westerly gale was blowing, the sea was very heavy, and it was nearly high water. The smaller fishing boats had reached the harbour without help, and the life-boat made for the southwardto search for the Kathleen, of Aber- ystwyth, and the Clarice and Pen Cw, of Fishguard. She came up with the Kathleen and Clarice about two miles south of the coastguard station and escorted the Kathleen to the harbour.

She then went to the Clarice and ac- companied her towards the harbour as well. Heavy breaking seas heeled the Clarice right over, half filling her with water, and washing her fishing gear out of her. She righted herself, but she shipped water continuously and her pump broke down. She stood out to sea again anchored half a mile north-west of Castle Point. The life- boat had remained with her the whole time and now went in to rescue her crew of two. Twice she tried to get alongside, but was driven clear. The third time she succeeded, and the two men jumped aboard. The life-boat crew gave them rum, biscuits and chocolate, and landed them at Aber- ystwyth at 11.55. The Clarice sank soon after the rescue.

The life-boat put to sea again at once to the help of the Pen CM,', which was being buffetted by the seas off the harbour bar, and came up with her half a mile from the harbour entrance.

The life-boat coxswain advised the skipper that it was too dangerous to enter the harbour and suggested that he beach his boat. This the skipper did at 12.45, with the life-boat escort- ing her. The Aberdovey coastguard had reported that the fishing boat Westmark was missing from Barmouth and was about one mile north-west of Aberdovey, so as soon as the Pen Cw had beached, the life-boat made for Aberdovey. However, the Barmouth life-boat reached the Westmark, and the Aberystwyth life-boat returned to her station, arriving at four o'clock.

The Mayor of Aberystwyth on behalf of the town expressed his appreciation of the efforts of the life-boat crew.

The New Quay life-boat was also launched.—Rewards to the crew, £15 ds.; rewards to the helpers on shore, £14 5s..