Torbay, Devon. At 2.58 on the after- noon of the 16th July, 1961, the coast- guard informed the honorary secretary that a fishing boat was flying distress flags two miles south-south-east of Berry Head. There was a moderate north-westerly breeze with a choppy sea. It was high water. The life-boat Princess Alexandra of Kent slipped her moorings at 3.18 with her boarding boat in tow, as a further message had been received that three people were in thesea between the breakwater and Berry Head. These people were later reported to have returned safely to the break- water in a collapsible canoe. The life- boat then came up with the fishing boat and found that" her engine had broken down, but she had already been taken in tow by another fishing boat. The life- boat escorted both vessels to Brixham harbour and returned to her station, arriving at 4.20..