JANUARY DURING January life-boats were launched on service 59 times and rescued 34 lives.

DOCTOR TAKEN TO LIGHTVESSEL Broughty Ferry, Angus. At 5.15 on the afternoon of the 1st January, 1962, the harbour master informed the honorary secretary that a member of the crew of the Abertay lightvessel had fallen down the engine-room ladder and was badly injured. A doctor was needed immedi- ately. There was a light west-north- westerly breeze with a slight sea. At 5.30 the life-boat The Robert was launched at low water with a doctor on board. The life-boat put the doctor aboard the Abertay lightvessel and later embarked the injured man and the doctor and landed them at Broughty Ferry. The injured man was taken by ambulance to hospital. The life-boat reached her station at 7.15.

SICK MAN TAKEN OFF MOTOR VESSEL Southend-on-Sea, Essex. At 12.45 early on the morning of the 2nd Janu- ary, 1962, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that he had re- ceived a message from the motor vessel Devonbrook of London, which was bound for London, that one of her crew was ill and that she would be off Southend about 1.45. The message asked if the life-boat would take out a doctor, and at 1.40 the life-boat Greater London II (Civil Service No. 30) was launched with a doctor on board.

There was a moderate northerly wind, the sea was slight, and the tide was ebbing. The life-boat found the vessel a mile and a half to the south-east of her station and put the doctor and three men with a stretcher on board. The sick man was then transferred to the life- boat, which wirelessed for an ambulance to meet her at Southend, where she arrived at three o'clock.

FRENCH TRAWLER TOWED OFF ROCKS St. Ives, Cornwall. At 6.17 on the morning of the 4th January, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the motor trawler Gai Floreal of Dieppe was in difficulties three miles west of St. Ives Head. The life-boat Edgar, George, Orlando and Eva Child was launched at 6.45 in a light north-easterly wind and a slight swell. The tide was half ebb. The life- boat went alongside the trawler, which was ashore on rocks at Porthzennor Cove, at 7.20. The trawler's master declined to leave his ship, and the life- boat stood by. Soon afterwards the shore life-saving apparatus teams ar- rived, and seven of the trawler's crew of sixteen were taken off by them, one man injuring his leg.

As the floodtide made, the trawler drove further on to the rocks, and when she was almost afloat the life- boat coxswain laid out one of the trawler's anchors as a kedge, but this did not hold and the trawler drifted further inshore. The coxswain again laid out a kedge anchor, and this second attempt to heave the trawler off was also unsuccessful. A further attempt was made to tow the trawler off, but by this time she had drifted half her length further inshore and her propeller was foul of the rocks and could not be used.

After a quarter of an hour the life-boat managed to tow the trawler clear, and she was able to proceed under her own power to St. Ives with a member of the life-boat's crew on board to act as pilot.

The life-boat reached her station at 3.30 in the afternoon.

SICK LIGHTKEEPER TAKEN OFF Howth, Co. Dublin. At 4.57 on the afternoon of the 5th January, 1962, the Commissioners of Irish Lights rang up the honorary secretary and asked if the life-boat would take a relief keeper to the Rockabill lighthouse and land a sick man from the lighthouse. The Com- missioners' boat could not be used, andat 5.51 the life-boat R.P.L. embarked the keeper and made for the lighthouse with a dinghy in tow. There was a fresh south-westerly breeze and a rough sea.

The tide was flooding. The life-boat reached the lighthouse at 6.15, and three men put off in the dinghy to bring back the sick man and land the relief keeper. The strong tide and swell made this operation difficult, but the patient was safely ferried to the life-boat, which took him to Skerries, arriving at 8.15. The man was landed, and the life-boat then returned to her station, which she reached at 10.55.

SICK MAN TAKEN TO MAINLAND St. Mary's, Scilly Islands. At 11.40 on the morning of the 6th January, 1962, a local doctor asked the honorary secretary if the life-boat could take a man to Penzance for an emergency operation for acute appendicitis. A helicopter was standing by, but thick fog prevented it from taking off. No other boat was available, and at 11.50 the life-boat Guy and Clare Hunter was launched with the sick man and a nurse on board. The life-boat made the journey to the mainland in a light westerly breeze and a moderate sea and reached Penzance at 4.12. The man was transferred to a waiting ambulance, and the life-boat then returned to the station, arriving at 9.20.

DOCTOR TAKEN TO ISLAND Galway Bay. At 5.15 on the afternoon of the 6th January, 1962, the local medical officer asked the honorary secretary if the life-boat would take him to Inishere Island to attend an urgent medical case. As there was no other suitable boat available, the life-boat Mabel and Marion Thompson left her moorings at 5.45 in a south-westerly gale and a rough sea. The tide was ebbing. The life-boat landed the doctor on Inishere Island and returned to her station at 9.15.

STEAMER AND MOTOR VESSEL IN COLLISION Dover, and Walmer, Kent. At 12.13 early on the morning of the 8th Janu- ary, 1962, the coastguard informed the Dover honorary secretary that a colli- sion had taken place between two vessels, the s.s. Sabac and the m.v.

Dorington Court six miles east-by-south of the eastern arm of Dover harbour.

There was a light westerly wind and a smooth sea. It was foggy. The Walmer honorary secretary was also informed at 12.17. The Dover life-boat Cunard, on temporary duty at the station, left her moorings at 12.32, and the Walmer life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 32) was launched at 12.31. It was high water. When the Dover life-boat reached the position several vessels were in the area and had picked up survivors, some of whom were badly injured. Because of bad visibility para- chute flares were used during the search, and the Dover life-boat picked up four bodies. By this time the Walmer life- boat had also reached the scene, and she extended her area of search to- wards the East Goodwin lightvessel.

One body was picked up and this was later transferred to the Dover life-boat.

Thick fog hampered the search, in which a Shackleton aircraft and a heli- copter also took part.

The Dover life-boat returned to her station at 12.30 to land the five bodies, and after refuelling she returned to the area to continue the search. Mean- while the Irish coaster City of Cork had reported by radio to the Walmer life- boat that a number of bodies could be seen almost two and a half miles south- east of the South Goodwin lightvessel.

The life-boat made for this position and picked up seven bodies, which she landed at Dover. She reached her station at 4.30. No more bodies were found by the Dover life-boat, and she also reached her station at 4.30. The owners of the Sabac made a donation to the Institution's funds and gifts to both life-boat crews.

STANDING BY MOTOR VESSEL IN GALE Barry Dock, Glamorganshire. At 6.40 on the evening of the 8th January, 1962, the coastguard informed the coxswain that the master of the motor vessel Candourity of London had asked for the life-boat to stand by his vessel, which was aground one mile south- west of Breaksea Point. The life-boat Rachel and Mary Evans was launched at 6.55 in a strong west-south-westerly gale and a very rough sea. It was two hours before high water. The life-boat found the Candourity with her engine room flooded and stood by until tugs and her sister ship had towed her to a safe anchorage. The life-boat then returned to her station, which she reached at 4.15 in the morning.

TOWLINE PASSED TO DANISH MOTOR VESSEL Wick, Caithness-shire. At 11.55 on the morning of the 9th January, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the Danish motor vessel Jens Emil had broken down four miles east of Wick. The life-boat City of Edinburgh was launched in a strong south-westerly wind and a rough sea.

It was two hours before high water.

The life-boat came up with the Jens Emil and stood by her until the motor trawler Gilmar arrived. She helped to pass a towline to the Jens Emil, and when the two vessels were under way the life-boat returned to her station, which she reached at 2.20.

TWO LIFE-BOATS PUT OUT TO BELGIAN TRAWLER On the llth January, 1962, the Margate and Ramsgate life-boats put out to the help of the Belgian trawler Vert Rouwen, which had lost both her anchors in a gale. A full account of this service appears on page 255.

TWO COBLES ESCORTED IN GALE Scarborough, Yorkshire. On the llth January, 1962, it was decided to launch the life-boat /. G. Graves of Sheffield at three o'clock in the afternoon to escort two local fishing cobles into harbour as the weather had deteriorated considerably. There was a strong westerly gale and a rough sea. It was one hour after high water. The life- boat came up with the fishing cobles Premier and Kingfisher about two miles south-east of Scarborough. She escorted them safely into harbour and reached her station at 3.50.

DUTCH MOTOR VESSEL ESCORTED IN GALE Southend-on-Sea, Essex. At 2.55 on the morning of the 13th January, 1962, the life-boat Greater London II (Civil Service No. 30) had just returned to her station from investigating a report of a white flare in the area of Grain Spit when the coastguard informed the coxswain that a Dutch ship appeared to have engine trouble three miles north-east of the pier. There was a westerly gale with a rough sea, and it was two hours before high water. The life-boat found the motor vessel Tjoba of Groningen dragging her anchor and drifting towards the boom. The master of the Tjoba told the coxswain that he wanted to go to the Southend loading jetty but was not sure of its position. The life-boat escorted the vessel to the jetty and reached her station at five o'clock.

FRENCH TRAWLER REFLOATED Stornoway, Hebrides. At 3.50 on the morning of the 14th January, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a French trawler was ashore six miles south of Tarbert har- bour. The life-boat The James and Margaret Boyd left her moorings at 4.30 in a moderate westerly wind and a rough sea. The tide was half ebb.

The coastguard later reported that the trawler Massabielle of Lorient, with a crew of fifteen, was aground on Stockinish Island on the east coast of Harris. The life-boat reached the stranded vessel at 8.30, and after running out a kedge anchor and making fast a tow line she succeeded in re- floating the Massabielle. Two members of the life-boat's crew were then put on board, and the trawler continued under her own power to Stornoway, where she arrived at two o'clock. The life-boat reached her station at 2.40.

FISHING BOAT ESCORTED IN NEAR GALE Plymouth, Devon. At 12.46 on the afternoon of the 15th January, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the fishing boat June- Lippet, which was returning to Plymouth from a fishing trip, was making heavy weather in a northerly wind of near gale force and a rough sea. The posi- tion of the fishing boat was then three miles west of Rame Head. The life-boat Thomas Forehead and Mary Rowse left her moorings at one o'clock at high water. She came up with the June- Lippet, which had a crew of four, one mile south-west of Rame Head and escorted her safely into Plymouth Sound and to the Barbican. The life- boat reached her station at three o'clock.

LIFE-BOAT STANDS BY AS BOATS CROSS BAR Arbroath, Angus. At 3.35 on the afternoon of the 15th January, 1962, the coastguard informed the motor mechanic that two local fishing boats were awaiting the tide to enter harbour.

There was a strong south-east gale and a very rough sea. The fishing boats were contacted by radio and reported that as conditions were worsening they would not attempt to enter harbour until 6.30. At 6.10 the life-boat The Duke of Montrose was launched. She stood by the harbour entrance until both boats had crossed the bar safely and then returned to her station, arriving at 7.20.

DUTCH MOTOR VESSEL ESCORTED IN GALE Moelfre, Anglesey. At 8.20 on the evening of the 15th January, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the motor vessel Frida Blokzijl of Vlaardingen, Netherlands, was drifting with her steering damaged ten miles north-east of Point Lynas.

The life-boat Watkin Williams was launched at 8.35 in a strong southerly gale and a very rough sea. It was two hours before low water. The life-boat reached the position given at 10.10 and in company with other vessels began to search for the Frida Blokzijl.

Very poor visibility hampered the search, but the disabled vessel was found and the life-boat went alongside her at 11.25. Five minutes later her master reported that the steering gear had been repaired and the Dutch vessel made for Moelfre Bay escorted by the life-boat. The life-boat reached her station three o'clock in the morning.

FOUR GALWAY BAY MEDALS On the 16th January, 1962, the Gal- way Bay life-boat rescued eight men and a dog from the Dutch coaster June.

A full account of this service, for which four bronze medals for gallantry were awarded, appears on page 246.

FISHING COBLE ESCORTED TO HARBOUR Filey, Yorkshire. On the morning of the 17th January, 1962, a local fishing coble was at sea in weather which was growing worse. At 11.15 the life-boat The Isa & Penryn Milsted was launched in a south-westerly gale and a rough sea. The tide was half flood.

The life-boat escorted the fishing coble Enterprise safely into harbour and reached her station at 2.10.

FISHING VESSEL ENTERS HARBOUR IN TOW Anstruther, Fife. At 10.5 on the morning of the 17th January, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that two fishing vessels, one in tow of the other, were approaching the harbour. There was a strong south- south-westerly gale and a very rough sea. It was two hours before high water.

The honorary secretary decided to launch the life-boat James and Ruby Jackson at 10.21 to stand by the har- bour entrance. The motor fishing vessel Ocean Herald entered the har- bour safely, towing the motor vessel Harvest Reaper. At 12.30 the life-boat was moored in the inner harbour as a precautionary measure, as several other local boats were still at sea. It was found impossible to rehouse the life- boat until the following afternoon.

DOCKERS TAKEN OFF DUTCH MOTOR VESSEL Arklow, Co. Wicklow. On the evening of the 17th January, 1962, the motor vessel Antilla of Groningen, outward bound from Arklow to Rotterdam with a crew often, grounded 150 yards north-east of Arklow north pier.

Twenty dockers were put aboard the vessel to lighten her cargo and so enable her to refloat. At eleven o'clock on the night of 18th January the vessel's agent asked the honorary secretary if the life-boat would land the dockers, as the weather was deteriorat- ing and the local fishing boats were unable to go alongside the Antilla. The life-boat Inbhear Mor was launched at 11.20 in a strong south-westerly wind and a confused sea. The tide was half ebb. The twenty dockers were transferred to the life-boat and landed, and the life-boat reached her station at 11.44.

DOCTOR TAKEN OUT TO STEAMER Humber, Yorkshire. At ten o'clock on the morning of the 18th January, 1962, the coastguard informed the coxswain superintendent that the s.s.

Bencmachan of Leith was making for Spurn with an injured man on board.

The vessel was due at Spurn light- vessel at one o'clock. The life-boat City of Bradford II, on temporary duty at the station, was launched at 12.10 with a doctor on board. There was a moderate west-south-westerly wind and a slight sea. It was two and a half hours after low water. The life-boat met the Bencruachan and put the doctor aboard. The injured man, who had a broken neck and fractured skull, was found to be dead. The doctor rejoined the life-boat, which returned to her station at 2.45. The vessel proceeded to Grangemouth to land the body.

TWELVE COBLES ESCORTED TO SHORE Filey, Yorkshire. At ten o'clock on the morning of the 22nd January, 1962, it was decided after consultation with the coastguard to launch the life-boat The Isa & Penryn Milsted, as several local fishing cobles were at sea in deteriorating weather. The life-boat put out at eleven o'clock in a west-by- northerly gale and a very rough sea.

It was low water. The life-boat escorted twelve fishing cobles safely ashore and reached her station at 2.30.

TWO MEN FROM LONGSHORE BOAT LANDED Lowestoft, Suffolk. At 2.28 on the afternoon of the 22nd January, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the Lowestoft trawler Unda had picked up two men from the longshore boat Dulcie Doris of Lowes- toft and had taken the boat in tow.

The Undoes position was three miles east of East Barnard buoy, and because of the severe weather conditions the help of the life-boat was requested. At 2.40 the life-boat Michael Stephens left her moorings in a west-north- westerly gale and a rough sea. It was two hours before low water. The life- boat reached the position given but could not find the trawler. A message was then received that the trawler's tow had parted and that the Dulcie Doris had drifted north with the trawler standing by. The life-boat set a course to the north and found both vessels about two miles west of Gorton light- vessel. She went alongside the trawler and took the two men from the long- shore boat on board. She then went alongside the longshore boat, and when a tow line had been connected took the Dulcie Doris in tow. About half a mile east-south-east of the South-East Gorton buoy the Dulcie Doris sank. The life-boat reached her station with the two survivors at 7.50. The owner of the Dulcie Doris made a donation to the Institution's funds.

ESCORT FOR FISHING VESSEL IN GALE Newhaven, Sussex. At 7.32 on the evening of the 23rd January, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the fishing vessel Dorothy Margaret had been in difficulties with engine trouble and had gone along- side the Royal Sovereign lightvessel to report her trouble before making for Newhaven. At 7.45 the life-boat Kathleen Mary was launched in a south-westerly gale and a rough sea.

It was low water. The life-boat met the Dorothy Margaret six miles east-north- east of Newhaven and escorted her safely into harbour. The life-boat reached her station at 9.50.

CAULIFLOWER JETTISONED FROM DUTCH VESSEL St. Helier, Jersey. At 8.50 on the evening of the 24th January, 1962, the harbour office informed the honor- ary secretary that the motor vessel A Ime of Rotterdam was asking for immediate help as her deck cargo of cauliflower had shifted and she was listing dangerously to starboard. Her position was three miles west of Corbiere. The life-boat Elizabeth Rippon left her moorings at 9.6 in a south- westerly wind of near gale force and a rough sea. It was high water. The life-boat reached the position given and went alongside the Alme. The coxswain used parachute flares to light up the deck so that the work of jetti- soning the cargo could be safely carried out. When this had been done the vessel righted, and after the master had thanked the coxswain for standing by, the Alme continued on her passage to Portsmouth. The life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 1.30 in the morning.

DUTCH VESSEL AGROUND IN FOG Barry Dock, Glamorganshire. At 10.33 on the night of the 25th January, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the motor vessel Carmen of Groningen was ashore on the west side of Sulley Island. The life-boat Rachel and Mary Evans was launched at 10.57 in a moderate south- westerly wind and a choppy sea. There was dense fog and rain, and it was an hour and a half after high water. The life-boat found the vessel, and her master told the coxswain that as the Carmen was hard aground on the falling tide and securely moored ashore, he did not require the life-boat to stand by during the night but would like her to return at seven o'clock the next morning, when an attempt would be made to refloat the Carmen with the help of a tug. The life-boat reached her station at 12.15 and left again at 6.50 in the morning. She reached the Carmen at seven o'clock and stood by until the tug Emphatic arrived an hour later.The life-boat fired a rocket line to connect a tow to the tug, and the tow line was then passed to the vessel.

After the Carmen was successfully re- floated the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 10.20. The owners and underwriters made a gift to the crew and a donation to the Institution's funds.

DOCTOR TAKEN TO STEAMER IN FOG Barrow, Lancashire. At 10.50 on the morning of the 27th January, 1962, a firm of shipping agents in Barrow told the honorary secretary that the s.s.

Baron Inverclyde of Ardrossan, bound for Barrow, had asked for medical help as one of her firemen had injured his back. She was due off the port at 9.30 in the evening and a rendezvous was arranged between life-boat and steamer near the Lightning Knoll buoy.

The life-boat Herbert Leigh was launched at eight o'clock with a doctor on board. There was a gentle easterly breeze and a smooth sea. It was half an hour before low water. Dense fog was encountered as far as the buoy, which dispersed before the Baron Inverclyde was sighted. The life-boat went alongside her and the doctor went on board. The patient was not badly injured, and the doctor advised him to rest for two or three days on board the steamer. The doctor then rejoined the life-boat, which reached her station at 10.50. The master of the steamer sent a letter expressing his appreciation of the service rendered by the life-boat.

SICK MAN TAKEN OFF COSTA RICAN STEAMER Walton and Frinton, Essex. At 6.20 on the evening of the 27th January, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the s.s. Entopan of Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, had a sick man on board. She was making for Harwich and had asked for the life-boat to take the man off. The life-boat Edian Courtauld left her moorings at 6.50. There was a light north-westerly breeze and a slight sea.

It was two hours before low water.

The life-boat met the Entopan at a pre- arranged rendezvous off the Sunk lightvessel. The sick man, who was suffering from chronic asthma and heart disease, was transferred to the life-boat and landed at Harwich, where he was taken to hospital. The life-boat returned to her station arriving at 3.30.

FISHING VESSEL AGROUND ON ROCKS Cloughey, Co. Down. At 8.42 on the morning of the 29th January, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the fishing vessel Marie McClements of Portavogie was aground near the South Rock. The life-boat Constance Calverley was launched at nine o'clock in a light southerly breeze and a slight sea. It was two hours befoie low water. The life-boat reached the stranded vessel and found that the fishing boat Investor had a line aboard the Marie McClements, which was lying on her starboard side on top of the rock. The Marie McClements's crew of five decided to stay on board, as the weather was calm. Shortly afterwards ten other boats of the local fishing fleet arrived, and two of these managed to refloat the Marie McClements on the flood tide. The life-boat helped in this operation and then escorted the Marie McClements to Portavogie harbour. The life-boat reached her station at 8.44.

CREW OF SWEDISH VESSEL LANDED Stornoway, Hebrides. At 3.20 on the morning of the 30th January, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a Swedish vessel was ashore on Fladdachuain Island three miles west of Trodday Island. The life-boat The James and Margaret Boyd left her moorings at four o'clock in a moderately south-westerly wind and a moderate sea. The tide was half ebb.

The life-boat reached the position and found the motor vessel Ofelia of Gothenburg with a heavy list. Her master had remained on board, but the crew of fourteen had landed safely on the island. The master and ten of the crew were taken on board the life-boat, which landed them at Storno- way at 1.55. The remaining four members of the crew decided to stay on the island to keep watch on the Ofelia and were left with a canvas cover for protection and sufficient food supplies. At three o'clock the master received instructions from Sweden that the four men left on the island should be taken off as soon as possible. The Mallaig life-boat was already on her way to the island when a message was received that H.M.S. Malcolm had taken the four men off and was making for Stornoway. The owner of the Ofelia sent a letter of appreciation to the Institution.

THREE MEDALS FOR STORNOWAY On the 30th January, 1962, the Storn- oway, Outer Hebrides, life-boat res- cued two people from the motor fishing vessel Maime. A full account of this service, for which three medals for gallantry were awarded, appears on page 248.

The following life-boats went out on service but could find no ships in distress, were not needed, or could do nothing: Lytham-St. Anne's, Lancashire.—Jan- uary 2nd.

Stronsay, Orkneys.—January 3rd.

Barrow, Lancashire.—January 4th.

Llandudno, Caernarvonshire.—Jan- uary 6th.

Ilfracombe, Devon.—January 7th.

Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.—January 9th.

Montrose, Angus.—January llth.

Selsey, Sussex.—January llth.

Lytham-St. Anne's, Lancashire.—Jan- uary llth.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—January llth.

Dunmore East, Co. Waterford.—Jan- uary llth.

Holyhead, Anglesey.—January llth.

Stornoway, Hebrides.—January 12th.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—January 13th.

Holyhead, Anglesey.—January 13th.

Lerwick, Shetlands.—January 15th.

Port Erin, Isle of Man.—January 15th.

Blackpool, Lancashire.—January 21st.

Selsey, Sussex.—January 21st.

Hastings, Sussex.—January 23rd.

Walton and Frinton, Essex.—Jan- uary 24th.

Barry Dock, Glamorganshire.—Jan- uary 25th.

Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.—Jan- uary 30th.

Mallaig, Inverness-shire.—January 30th.

Whitehills, Banffshire.—January 31st.

Barry Dock, Glamorganshire.—Jan- uary 31st.

FEBRUARY DURING February life-boats were launched on service 34 times and rescued 2 lives.

INJURED MAN TAKEN OFF SWEDISH VESSEL Lowestoft, Suffolk. At 9.38 on the morning of the 6th February, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the motor vessel Sommen of Gothenberg had wirelessed for medical help as a seaman had a badly injured hand. After arrangements had been made for a doctor and ambulance to be available and a rendezvous with the motor vessel had been agreed the life-boat Michael Stephens left her moorings at 12.50 with the doctor on board. There was a light south- westerly breeze and a choppy sea.

It was low water. The life-boat met the Sommen four miles east of Lowestoft and put the doctor on board. The injured man was transferred to the life-boat and landed at Lowestoft, where an ambulance took him to hospital. The life-boat reached her station at three o'clock.

ESCORT FOR FISHING VESSEL WITH ENGINE BREAKDOWN Rhyl, Flintshire. At 1.20 on the afternoon of the 7th February, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a fishing vessel appeared in difficulties about a quarter of a mile off Rhyl pier. Five minutes later the life-boat Anthony Robert Marshall was launched in a west-south-westerly wind of near gale force and a rough sea.

It was one hour after high water. The life-boat found the fishing vessel C.H.56 of Rhyl with her engine broken down.

She had a crew of three. The vessel's engine had broken down several times on her passage from Mostyn to Rhyl and she had shipped some heavy seas.

The engine was repaired, and the life- boat escorted the fishing vessel safely to moorings in Rhyl harbour, reaching her station at 3.20.

LOCAL FISHING FLEET ESCORTED TO HARBOUR Thurso, Caithness-shire. At 4.30 on the afternoon of the 7th February, 1962, the honorary secretary decided that because of the bad weather condi- tions the life-boat Pentland (Civil Service No. 31) should be launched to escort the local fishing fleet to harbour.

The life-boat put out at 4.40 in a strong north-north-easterly wind and a very rough sea. The tide was half ebb.

After escorting several fishing vessels to harbour the life-boat reached her station at 8.15.

DIFFICULT PASSAGE TO NORTHERN ISLAND Aith, Shetlands. At 6.50 on the evening of the 8th February, 1962, a doctor in Walls informed the honorary secretary that he had received an urgent call from a nurse on Foula Island for him to attend a patient. As there was no other suitable boat avail- able to make the crossing in the prevailing weather conditions, the life- boat John and Frances Macfarlane left her moorings with the doctor on board at 8.10 in a west-south-westerly wind of near gale force. There was a rough sea, and it was one hour after low water. Very bad visibility caused by snow and sleet showers made the passage to Foula a difficult one, but the life-boat arrived alongside the pier at 2.15 in the morning and the doctor was put ashore. At 6.5 the doctor with a stretcher party and the patient arrived at the pier. The patient and the doctor were embarked, and the life-boat left at 6.15. She reached her station at 9.13, when the patient was taken by ambulance to hospital.

SURVIVORS LANDED FROM VESSEL ON FIRE Lowestoft, Suffolk. At 6.45 on the morning of the 13th February, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the motor trawler John O'Heugh was making for Lowestoft with the crew of eighteen of the motor vessel Fountains Abbey, which had been abandoned after catching fire. Several survivors had serious injuries and medical help was needed. After further enquiries had been made the life-boat Michael Stephens left her moorings with a doctor on board at 7.58 in a fresh north-westerly wind and a rough sea. It was low water. The life-boat met the trawler at a pre-arranged rendezvous off the North Gorton buoy at nine o'clock. The doctor was put aboard the trawler, which entered the harbour escorted by the life-boat.

The injured men were conveyed to hospital by ambulance, and the life- boat reached her station at 10.2.

ESCORT FOR FISHING BOAT IN GALE Scarborough, Yorkshire. On the morning of the 13th February, 1962, the conditions at the harbour bar were very bad because of heavy seas and the state of the tide. As the local fishing boat Margaret Jane was about to return to harbour, it was decided at 10.5 to launch the life-boat J. G. Graves of Sheffield in a strong north-north- westerly gale and a very rough sea. It was almost high water. The life-boat was launched at 10.10 and came up with the Margaret Jane one mile north- east of the castle. The coxswain advised her skipper to stream his drogue, and the life-boat escorted the boat safely into harbour, reaching her station at eleven o'clock.

RESCUE FROM YACHT AT THIRD ATTEMPT Humber, Yorkshire. At 10.27 on the morning of the 16th February, 1962, the coastguard informed the coxswain superintendent that a yacht was in •difficulties two miles north-east-by- noith of Grimsby. The life-boat City of Bradford II, on temporary duty at the station, was launched in a strong north-westerly gale and a very rough sea. It was one hour after low water.

A helicopter, which had joined in the search, sighted the yacht first and fired flares to indicate her position. It then hovered ovei the yacht until the life- boat reached the position. Radio con- tact was maintained between the heli- copter and the life-boat. The yacht Star Song of Colchester, whose engine had broken down, was in a dangerous position and dragging her anchor.

She was pitching and veering con- siderably, and the coxswain had to make three attempts to come alongside her. At the third attempt he was successful, and the two men on board the yacht were hauled on board the life-boat. The men, one of whom was aged seventy-one, had not eaten for two days and were exhausted. They were given hot soup and landed at Grimsby at 12.20. The yacht later drove ashore. Because of the severe weather conditions the life-boat could not be rehoused at her station until the next day.

TWO YOUNG MEN TRAPPED IN CAVE St. Ives, Cornwall. At 2.26 on the afternoon of the 18th February, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that two young men had been trapped by the rising tide at Smuggler's Cave, Hell's Mouth. Police and the fire brigade were on the scene, but it was agreed that the help of a boat was needed. The life-boat Edgar, George, Orlando and Eva Child was launched at 2.45. She had a skiff in tow. There was a light variable wind and a smooth sea, and it was two hours before high water. On reaching the cave the coxswain found that the firemen had a ladder in position and were hauling the two young men out of the cave through a hole half way up the cliff. The skiff stood by, and as soon as the rescue was completed the life-boat returned to her station, which she reached at 4.30.

FRENCH TRAWLER TAKEN IN TOW Galway Bay. At 8.45 on the morning of the 20th February, 1962, Valentia radio station informed the honorary secretary that a French fishing vessel with her trawl net entangled in her propeller needed help south of the Isle of Arran. At 9.30 the life-boat Mabel and Marion Thompson left her moorings in a light south-south-easterly wind and a calm sea. The life-boat found the trawler Men-Hir, which had a crew of eight, and took her in tow to Kilronan, arriving at four o'clock in the afternoon.

LIFE-BOAT TAKES SICK MAN OFF LIGHTVESSEL Humber, Yorkshire. At 6.45 on the evening of the 23rd February, 1962, the Humber Conservancy Board in- formed the coxswain superintendent that a sick man on board the Bull lightvessel needed urgent medical atten- tion and asked if the life-boat could bring him ashore. The life-boat City of Bradford II, on temporary duty at the station, was launched at 6.55 in a fresh east-north-easterly wind and a moderate sea. It was one hour before high water.

The sick man was taken off the light- vessel and landed at Grimsby, where an ambulance was waiting to take him to hospital. Because of the very strong tide the life-boat was not rehoused until the next day.

SICK PEOPLE TAKEN FROM ISLAND IN GALE Galway Bay. At 1.30 on the afternoon of the 26th February, 1962, the local doctor asked the honorary secretary for the use of the life-boat to take two patients from Inishmaan Island to Rossaveel on the mainland. Because of the severe weather conditions and as no other suitable boat was available, the life-boat Mabel Marion Thompson left her moorings at 2.30 in a north- easterly gale and a rough sea. It was low water. The life-boat proceeded to Inishmaan Island, embarked the two patients and landed them at Rossaveel.

She reached her station at 7.30.

SICK WOMAN BROUGHT FROM ISLAND Galway Bay. At noon on the 27th February, 1962, the local doctor received an urgent message to go to Inishmaan Island to attend a sick woman. As no other suitable boat was available, the doctor asked for the use of the life- boat to take him to the island. The life-boat Mabel Marion Thompson left her moorings at 1.30 in a strong north- easterly wind and a rough sea. The tide was ebbing. The doctor was landed on the island and the patient was eventually embarked in the life-boat at 5.30. The life-boat brought the sick woman to Rossaveel, where an ambu- lance was waiting to take her to hospital. The life-boat reached her station at nine o'clock.

The following life-boats went out on service but could find no ships in distress, were not needed, or could do nothing: St. David's, Pembrokeshire.—Febru- ary 1st.

Lerwick, Shetlands.—February 2nd.

St. David's, Pembrokeshire.—Febru- ary 3rd.

Hastings, Sussex.—February 6th.

Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.—February llth.

Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.—February llth.

Lerwick, Shetlands.—February 13th.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—February 14th.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire.—February 16th.

Arranmore, Co. Donegal.—February 17th.

Holy Island, Northumberland.—Feb- ruary 17th.

Humber, Yorkshire.—February 18th.

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumber- land.—February 18th.

Skegness, Lincolnshire.—February 20th.

Swanage, Dorset.—February 21st.

Broughty Ferry, Angus.—February 21st.

Anstruther, Fife.—February 21st.

Donaghadee, Co. Down.—February 21st.

Hoylake, Cheshire.—February 21st.

Humber, Yorkshire.—February 23rd.

Galway Bay.—February 25th.

Hartlepool, Co. Durham.—February 26th.

ROYAL AIR FORCE TRIBUTE The reason why the Broughty Ferry life-boat was launched on 21st February was that a meteorological research flight aircraft came down into the sea.

The air-crew of three were rescued by helicopters, but the R.A.F. officer com- manding at Leuchars wrote to the Broughty Ferry honorary secretary : "It is a great source of comfort to our air-crew, who in the air defence role spend most of their time flying over the sea, to know that your men are always ready and willing to go to their rescue if they should be unfortunate enough to come down on the sea. As members of one proud service we salute the mem- bers of another."MARCH DURING March life-boats were launched on service 42 times and rescued 16 lives.

FISHING VESSEL TOWED TO DOCK Barrow, Lancashire. At 9.35 on the morning of the 1st March, 1962, one of the keepers of Walney lighthouse told the coxswain that a fishing vessel was anchored near the Outer Bar buoy and had just released a smoke float.

The life-boat Herbert Leigh put out at ten o'clock in a light north-by- westerly breeze and a smooth sea. It was two hours before low water. The life-boat found the local fishing boat Briar, whose owner was on board, with her engine broken down. She took her in tow to Ramsden dock, arriving at 11.20, and then returned to her station, which she reached at 11.40.

LAUNCH TO LIGHTVESSEL FOR SICK MAN Eastbourne, Sussex. At 11.15 on the morning of the 1st March, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary treasurer that a member of the crew of the Royal Sovereign lightvessel was sick and needed hospital treat- ment. The Trinity House tender was not available and because of the low water it was not possible to launch the life-boat Beryl Tollemache until 1.23.

There was a light north-north-easterly breeze and a moderate sea. The life- boat, with a doctor on board, reached the lightvessel at 2.26, and the sick man was taken on board. He was landed at Eastbourne at 3.35 and taken to hospital by police car.

LIFE-BOAT STANDS BY AT HARBOUR BAR Whitby, Yorkshire. At 7.45 on the evening of the 2nd March, 1962, the coxswain was in radio communication from his own boat with three local motor fishing vessels, which were at sea in deteriorating weather conditions.

The motor fishing vessel Lead Us reported that on attempting to run for harbour she had shipped heavy seas and had been forced to turn away to seaward to wait until there was more water on the bar. Another motor fishing vessel, the Golden Hope, was advised by the coxswain to put into Hartlepool. The Lead Us and a third fishing vessel, Success, were larger craft, and their skippers decided to enter Whitby harbour. The life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth was launched at eight o'clock to stand by. It was an hour after low water. There was a strong north-north-easterly wind, and the sea was rough. The life-boat stood by until both vessels were safely in harbour and then returned to her station, which she reached at 9.45.

FISHING BOAT TOWED TO HARBOUR Workington, Cumberland. At 7.30 on the evening of the 3rd March, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secietary that red flares had been seen north-east of Maryport. The life-boat Manchester and Salford XXIX left her mooiings at 7.40 in a light north- easterly wind and a smooth sea. It was two hours before high water.

The life-boat found the fishing boat Two Sisters with her net foul of her propeller and took her in tow to Maryport, arriving at 9.10. The life-boat reached her station at 10.15.

INJURED MAN TAKEN OFF MOTOR VESSEL Penlee, Cornwall. At 10.30 on the night of the 4th March, 1962, the honorary secretary was informed that a doctor was needed to attend an injured member of the crew of the motor vessel River A/ton of Newcastle- upon-Tyne. A rendezvous was arranged, and at three o'clock in the morning the life-boat Solomon Browne was launched. She made for Newlyn to embark a doctor and an ambulance crew. There was a light easterly wind and a choppy sea, and it was high water. The life-boat met the River Afton ten miles south of Penzance, where the doctor was put on board.

The vessel then continued to Mount's Bay escorted by the life-boat, and at 5.40 the doctor and the injured man were transferred to the life-boat. The life-boat reached Newlyn at 5.53, where the man, who had suspected fractures of the skull and leg, was taken to hospital. The life-boat could not be rehoused until three o'clock in the afternoon.

RESCUE FROM BARGE IN GALE Clacton-on-Sea,Essex. At 10.32 on the night of the 7th March, 1962, the coast- guard informed the honorary secretary that a red flare had been seen four miles south of Clacton pier. The life-boat Sir Godfrey Baring was launched at eleven o'clock in a south-easterly gale and a very rough sea. It was one hour before high water. Two heavy seas broke over the life-boat as she was going down the slipway. The coxswain saw the red flares and found the barge Resourceful of Manningtree anchored, with heavy seas breaking over her, half a mile north-by-east of Swin Spit buoy. Her skipper decided to abandon ship as he thought it likely that the cable would part in the prevailing conditions. The coxswain made three runs to take off the crew, and the two men on board the barge were rescued at the third attempt. The life-boat then made for Brightlingsea, which she reached at 1.40, as conditions made it impossible for her to be rehoused at Clacton. She did not leturn to her station until two days later.

FIVE RESCUED FROM DUTCH COASTER On the 7th March, 1962, the Cloug- hey, Co. Down, life-boat rescued five men from the Dutch coaster Frida Blokzijl. A full account of this service, for which Coxswain Walter Semple was awarded the bronze medal for gallantry, appears on page 249.

COBLE ESCORTED ASHORE AFTER DRIFTING Filey, Yorkshire. At 2.20 on the afternoon of the 7th March, 1962, the coastguard told the honorary secretary that because of the deteriorating weather conditions he thought it advisable to launch the life-boat to the help of fishing boats. The life-boat The Isa & Penryn Milsted was launched at 2.55 in a strong south-easterly wind and a rough sea. It was two hours before high water. A report was then received that the fishing coble Jean & Barbara was believed to have broken down and to be drifting four miles east-north- east of Filey Brigg. The life-boat found the coble and escorted her safely ashore. She reached her station at four o'clock but because of high water she could not be rehoused until 7.45.

MOTOR BOAT TOWED IN DENSE FOG Walmer, Kent. At 3.33 on the after- noon of the 10th March, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that shouts for help had been heard from the promenade from the direction of the sea, and a watchman was sent to North Deal to investigate.

The watchman heard further shouts, and the life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 32) was launched at 3.46.

The weather was calm, but there was dense fog. The life-boat quickly found four anglers in a motor boat, which had engine trouble, drifting north of Sandown Castle. She took the motor boat in tow and reached her station at 5.15.

CREW TAKEN OFF MOTOR VESSEL AGROUND Swanage, Dorset. At 3.9 on the morning of the 10th of March, 1962, the coastguard at St. Aldhelm's Head informed the assistant honorary secre- tary that a vessel was ashore on the rocks under the coastguard look-out.

The life-boat R.L.P. was launched at 3.36 in a light south-easterly breeze and a moderate sea. It was two and a half hours before low water. The life-boat made for the position given in poor visibility caused by fog and rain. The coxswain found the motor vessel Sand Dart of Southampton on the rocks broadside on to the cliff.

The vessel was being pounded by a heavy swell, and the master asked the coxswain to take off five of his crew.

The master, the chief engineer and the mate decided to remain on board.

The five men were taken on board the life-boat, which landed them at Swanage at 7.15, where arrangements had been made for a local representative of the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners' Royal Benevolent Society to care for them.

At ten o'clock the coastguard asked for the assistance of the life-boat to connect a tow line to the tanker Esso Lyndhurst, which was standing by to refloat the Sand Dart. The life-boat was launched at 10.23, half an hour before high water. The master of the Sand Dart asked the coxswain if he would take a wire to the tanker, but the coxswain considered this impracti- cable and asked for a lighter line. A four-inch nylon rope was then produced, but the life-boat was unable to manoeuvre with the rope over her quarter. By this time the life-boat had drifted towards the rocks, and the coxswain had to slip the rope to avoid damage to the life-boat. The life-boat picked up the line later and succeeded in connecting it to the Esso Lyndhurst.

However, the line soon parted, and as the Sand Dart had by this time settled firmly on the rocks on the ebb tide, further attempts to refloat her were abandoned. The life-boat returned to her station, which she reached at two o'clock.

BOAT TAKEN IN TOW DURING EXERCISE Newhaven, Sussex. At 10.10 on the morning of the llth March, 1962, the life-boat Kathleen Mary was launched for a routine exercise. There was a fresh north-easterly wind and a slight sea, and it was an hour and a half after low water. At 10.30 the coxswain noticed that the motor boat Pedro II of Newhaven was in difficulties two miles south-east of Newhaven harbour.

The motor boat had run out of fuel, and the life-boat took her in tow to Newhaven harbour, arriving at eleven o'clock. The life-boat then continued with the exercise.

INJURED BOY RESCUED AFTER FALL FROM CLIFF Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire. At 7.25 on the evening of the llth March, 1962, the coxswain received a message from the Abersoch fire brigade that a boy had fallen over the cliff at Cilan Head, and that because of the overhang they could not get any ladders down to him.

The help of the life-boat was asked for.

The honorary secretary was informed, and further enquiries were made of the coastguard and police. At eight o'clock the life-boat Katherine and Virgoe Buckland was launched with a doctor on board in a light south-easterly wind and a slight sea. It was low water. The life-boat reached the scene at 9.45 and stood off a short distance from the shore. The second coxswain and the doctor put off in a 9-foot dinghy, which had been taken with the life-boat, and two parachute flares were lighted. By the light of the flares the second cox- swain could see that it would be im- possible to land, as there was a con- siderable surge on the rocks. The two men therefore returned to the life- boat.

During the evening the boy's father and a fireman had managed to lower themselves by ropes some distance from the boy's position and had crawled along the rocks to reach him, but they were unable to come back the same way because of the rising tide. The cox- swain decided to try to go alongside a projecting ledge, and after three at- tempts he succeeded in bringing the life-boat close enough for the second coxswain to jump ashore. The boy was unconscious and had severe head in- juries. A rope was fastened under his arms and another to his feet, and he was carried to the life-boat and hauled aboard. The boy's father, the fireman and the second coxswain were then hauled aboard the life-boat. The doctor attended to the boy's injuries and the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at two o'clock in the morning. An ambu- lance was waiting to take the boy to hospital. The life-boat suffered damage to her bilge keel and both propellers during this service.

BOAT FOUND AFTER ALL-NIGHT SEARCH Workington, Cumberland. At 9.10 on the evening of the 15th March, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the fishing boat Ada was overdue and asked for the life-boat to stand by. At 9.21 the coastguard reported that nothing more had been seen from the look-out. Visibility was poor, and a gale warning had been issued, and the life-boat Manchester and Salford XXIX therefore put out at 9.35 in a fresh southerly wind and a rough sea. The tide was half ebb.

The life-boat first made for a position six miles north-west of Workington, the last known position of the fishing boat. The area was searched but nothing was seen. The life-boat then proceeded to the South Workington buoy, but again found nothing. During the night the area of search was extended from South Workington to Maryport, and at daylight a Shackleton aircraft was sent to assist the life-boat.

At 9.55 in the morning the life-boat found the fishing boat with a crew of two six miles east-north-east of Work- ington. The Ada's engine had broken down, and the life-boat took her in tow to Workington harbour, arriving at eleven o'clock.

DOCTOR TREATS INJURED MEN IN LIFE-BOAT Anstruther, Fife. At 3.1 on the after- noon of the 17th March, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the motor vessel Frederick T. Everard of London had two injured men on board who needed medical attention at once. The motor vessel was then a mile and a half south-west of May Island. The honorary secretary contacted the honorary medical adviser, and the life-boat James and Ruby Jackson was launched at 3.20 with the doctor on board. There was a light variable wind and a slight sea, and it was two and three quarter hours after high water. The life-boat met the motor vessel, and the two injured men were transferred to her. One man had sus- pected fractures of the right tibia, the left fibula, the pelvis and the left arm and extensive burns. On board the life- boat he was given first aid by the doctor and an injection of heroin to relieve his severe pain. The second man also had burns and his wounds were dressed.

The life-boat reached her station at 5.25 when the men were put into a waiting ambulance and taken to Kirk- caldy hospital. Their injuries had been caused by an explosion in the engine room.

FIREMEN TAKEN TO MOTOR BARGE Margate, Kent. At 2.26 on the morning of the 18th March, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that red flares had been seen four and a half miles north-east of the coastguard look-out. The life-boat North Foreland (Civil Service No. 11) was launched at 2.50 in a gentle north-easterly wind and a moderate sea. It was two and a half hours before low water. At 3.5 the master of the motor barge Nicola Dawn of Rochester informed the coxswain that his engine room was flooded and he needed a pump urgently, as his motor pump had fallen in the bilge and the hand pump was choked. The life-boat immediately returned to the pier to collect a pump from the fire brigade and returned, with the pump and five firemen on board, to the barge, which had now anchored a quarter of a mile off the pier. By 5.50 the engine room had been pumped dry and a loose sea-cock connection had been repaired. The master then asked the coxswain of the life-boat if he would escort the barge to Sandwich.

As the fire brigade's services were no longer needed, the firemen and their pump were landed and the life-boat and the barge left for Sand- wich at 6.15. The wind had increased to a fresh breeze and there were heavy snow squalls. Off Ramsgate the master of the barge called the life-boat along- side to inform the coxswain that he was taking in water fast; there were already two or three feet of water in the engine room and pumps were needed again. The coxswain advised him to continue to Ramsgate harbour, and the life-boat went ahead to arrange with the fire brigade for a pump to be ready as soon as the barge reached the harbour, which she entered about eight o'clock. Once again the engine room was pumped dry and the sea- cock was found to be leaking. The master made contact with the owners of the Nicola Dawn, who arranged for a mechanic to be sent to make a permanent repair. The life-boat was no longer required, and she returned to her station, which she reached at 10.45. Because of the conditions on the slipway she could not be rehoused until the 20th March.

BOYS HAULED UP CLIFF BY COASTGUARD St. David's, Pembrokeshire. At 4.30 on the afternoon of the 18th March, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that three boys had been cut off by the tide at Pen Cwm Bach. Further information was asked for, and when this had been received the life-boat Swn-y-Mor (Civil Service No. 6) was launched with her boarding boat in tow. There was a light easterly breeze and a heavy swell, and it was high water. On reaching the position, the second coxswain and a member of the crew made two attempts to go ashore in the boarding boat, but the heavy swell made it impossible to come close enough for them to land.

A message was then sent by morse to the coastguard, who were preparing to haul the boys up the cliff face, that no landing could be expected from the life-boat. A further attempt was in fact made, but this too was un- successful. The coastguard had by then secured their ropes and tackles in position, and the three boys were hauled up a sloping cliff some fifty feet to safety. The life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 9.45.

TOW FOR FISHING BOAT TO HARBOUR Workington, Cumberland. At 9.44 on the evening of the 18th March, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a red flare had been seen opposite the steel works at Workington. Further information was asked for, and at 10.15 the life-boat Manchester and Salford XXIX left her moorings. There was a gentle north- easterly breeze and a calm sea, and it was high water. The life-boat found the fishing boat Grace Gary, with a crew of three, a mile and a half west of Workington. She had run out of fuel, and the life-boat took her in tow to Workington, arriving at 11.55.

LIFE-BOAT AND HELICOPTER IN SEARCH FOR DINGHY Llandudno, Caernarvonshire. At 12.50 on the afternoon of the 19th March, 1962, the coastguard passed on to the honorary secretary a report from the Great Orme's Head lighthouse that a dinghy had capsized seven hundred yards north-east of the lighthouse. The life-boat Annie Ronald and Isabella Forrest was launched at 1.15 in a moder- ate easterly wind and a slight sea. The tide was half ebb. At 1.32 the position of the dinghy was given as one mile north-west of the lighthouse, and the life-boat made for the new position and was joined in the search by a helicopter.

The dinghy was found one mile west of the lighthouse by the helicopter; which circled over the position until the life- boat arrived. The life-boat towed the dinghy, which had no one on board, to her station, which she reached at 3.15.

ESCORT FOR YACHT REPORTED DRIFTING Barry Dock, Glamorganshire. At 10.50 on the morning of the 24th March, 1962, the coastguard at Nell's Point informed the honorary secretary that a message had been received from the Flatholm lighthouse that a small half-decked yacht, which had left Flatholm for Cardiff, appeared to be drifting down channel with engine trouble on the ebb tide. The coast- guard could see the yacht two miles south of the look-out. The life-boat Rachel and Mary Evans was launched at 11.4 in a gentle easterly breeze and a smooth sea. She found the yacht Highlander, whose crew of three in- formed the coxswain that their water pump had broken down but that the fault had been repaired. The life-boat escorted the yacht into Barry Dock and reached her station at 12.15.

DANISH AND GERMAN SHIPS TN COLLISION Dover, Kent. At 5.29 on the morning of the 29th March, 1962, the coast- guard informed the honorary secretary that two ships had been in collision six miles north of Dover. The life-boat Southern Africa left her moorings at six o'clock in a light westerly breeze and a slight sea. It was one hour after high water. On reaching the position the life-boat found that the two ships in- volved were the s.s. Kirsten Skou of Copenhagen, and the motor vessel Karpfanger of Hamburg. The German vessel had sunk and her crew of thirty- four had been rescued by the steamer.

The master of the Karpfanger asked the coxswain if he would land him and his crew. They were therefore taken on board the life-boat and landed at Dover, and the life-boat reached her moor- ings at 8.40.

DINGHY TOWED TO HARBOUR Falmouth, Cornwall. At 4.25 on the afternoon of the 30th March, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a dinghy with one man on board appeared to be in difficulties off Shag Rock, St. Anthony Head. The life-boat Crawford and Constance Cony- beare left her moorings at 4.10 in a moderate northerly wind and a cor- responding sea. It was two hours before low water. The life-boat found the dinghy ashore between St. Anthony Head and Zone Point and took her in tow to St. Mawes. She then returned to her station, arriving at 6.14.

DRIFTING SAND BARGE TAKEN IN TOW The Mumbles, Glamorganshire. At 12.20 on the morning of the 31st March, 1962, the coastguard informed the honorary secretary that the motor sand barge Tony of Hull had broken adrift with one man on board while being towed by the motor tanker Wandale H. near the Kenfig buoy.

At 12.40 the life-boat William Gammon •—Manchester and District XXX was launched at high water in a moderate west-north-westerly breeze and a moderate sea. She found the barge and escorted her into Swansea and then returned to her station, arriving at 5.2.

The following life-boats went out on service, but could find no ships in distress, were not needed, or could do nothing: Aith, Shetland*.—March 1st.

Buckie, Banffshire.—March 5th.

Tynemouth, Northumberland.—March 6th.

Stromness, Orkneys.—March 9th.

St. David's, Pembrokeshire.—March 10th.

Aith, Shetlands.—March 10th.

Dover, Kent.—March 10th.

Hartlepool, Co. Durham.—March llth.

Newhaven, Sussex.—March 11th.

Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford.— March 12th.

Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford.— March 13th.

Filey, Yorkshire.—March 14th.

Falmouth, Cornwall.—March 15th.

Kirkcudbright.—March 20th.

Dungeness, Kent.—March 25th.

Dover, Kent.—March 26th.

St. Peter Port, Guernsey.—March 28th.

Ramsgate, Kent.—March 29th.

The following account of a service was received too late for inclusion in the March 1962 number of the Life-boat.

Mallaig, Inverness-shire. At eleven o'clock on the night of the 1st Novem- ber, 1961, a relative of the crew of three of the motor fishing vessel Linda informed the honorary secretary that the vessel was overdue and asked for the life-boat to search for her. The life-boat E. M. M. Gordon Cubbin left her moorings at 11.30, one hour after high water, in a south-westerly gale and a rough sea. After searching for some time she found the Linda ashore on the north coast of Loch Hourn with her propeller fouled. The life- boat anchored to windward and veered down on to the fishing vessel and fired a line over her. Parachute flares were used to light up the scene. A rope was then hauled across, and when this had been made fast to a small boat.which had been lowered from the fishing vessel, the three men were pulled across to the life-boat. The life-boat then returned to her station, which she reached at 4.50 in the morning.

On the 8th December, 1961, the Mallaig life-boat E. M. M. Gordon Cubbin also put out on service to a small coaster, but her help was not needed..