Hastings, Sussex. At 9.50 on the morning of the 4th November, 1961, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the yawl Patronita of Portsmouth needed help eight miles south-east of Hastings. This informa- tion had been received from a Dutch merchant vessel. A moderate northerly wind was blowing, and the sea was smooth. At 10.5 the life-boat M.T.C.

was launched soon after high water. As the life-boat approached the position, it was seen that the Patronita was in tow of another merchant vessel, the Cardiff Brook. The Patronita had lost her mizen mast, and her rigging was fouling her rudder and propeller. She was low in the water, having been holed in her counter when her mast went overboard.

As the life-boat closed the Patronita, the yawl's mainmast fell aft along the whole length of her deck, causing further damage. The life-boat wentalongside and took off the two men on board together with their belongings.

By this time there were more than four feet of water below the Patronita's decks, and she seemed unlikely to remain afloat much longer.

The coxswain of the life-boat and the master of the Cardiff Brook agreed that the Patronita should remain in tow until she reached a position of safety or sank.

The life-boat then returned to Hastings with the two survivors. Soon after leaving the scene the tow parted, and the Cardiff Brook continued on her way.

The Patronita was last seen lying beam on and wallowing with wreckage about her. When the life-boat reached Hast- ings, the two rescued men were placed in the care of the police, and later members of the life-boat crew helped to dry their clothes and generally saw to their welfare. The life-boat reached her station at 12.37..