Lerwick, Shetlands.—At 11.24 on the morning of the 28th of December, 1956, the coastguard telephoned to say the motor vessel Samba, of Gothenburg1, which had been drifting with engine trouble 122 miles south- east of Lerwick since the afternoon of the 26th of December, was now approaching the Shetland coast.

Several trawlers were standing by but were unable to take her in tow.

At 11.50 the life-boat Lady Jane and Martha Ryland put out. There were very high seas, a whole south-east gale was blowing, and the tide was ebbing. The position of the Samba at 12.56 was thirteen miles south-by- east of Bard Head, and she was drifting north-west at four knots. The life- boat made for the position indicated, which was later amended to two miles south-east of Bard Head. She came up with the Samba off Mousa and rescued five of her crew of eleven, the other six men having been taken off previously by a Dutch tug. The life- boat then returned to her station, arriving at 5.30. The Samba be- came a total wreck.—Rewards to the crew, £18 55. The owners made a con- tribution to the funds of the Institution..