Blackpool, Lancashire. At 9.15 a.m.

on I4th June, 1964, the life-boat Maria Noble launched in a strong north-westerly breeze and rough sea to return the captain and other officers to H.M.S. Mersey, which was i| miles off shore and was paying a courtesy visit to Blackpool in conjunction with the branch centenary celebrations. Because of worsening weather and the ship's position it was agreed that the life-boat should be used instead of another boat as originally planned. The life-boat returned to her station at 11.55..