LIFE-BOATMEN'S SONS DROWNED Hartlepool, Co. Durham. At 10.20 p.m.

on Wednesday the 10th of July, 1963, the coxswain was told thattwo boys had been reported missing in akayak. He informed the honorary secretary and it was decided to launch the life-boat. There was a moderate north-north-westerly wind with a moderate sea. The life-boat Princess Royal (Civil Service No. 7) was launched at 10.50 on an ebbing tide. She was joined in the search by four other boats. It was thought that the motor mechanic's son was in the kayak and a radio telephone message through the coastguard confirmed he was missing. The life-boat returned to harbour to land the mechanic and also an ex-winchman, who was the father of the other boy. The lifeboat continued the search and at 2.10 a message was received that the kayak and a body had been found on Seaton Beach. The search was concentrated in this area but nothing further was found.

At 4.15 the search was called off and the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at five o'clock..