The Societe Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer 1973 NEWS HAS COME from France of the launching by the Societe Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer of a new 15.5 m 'all seasons' lifeboat, Pierre Loti; a boat which cost over £100,000 to build. Three new 'all-weather' boats have been added to the fleet of 50, while rapid vedettes now number 90. The popular and economic inflatable boats have now been increased to 310.

During the two summer months last year, when pleasure boats of all sizes are most numerous, the Jeunes Sauveteurs Qualifies (young qualified lifesavers) formed by the SNSM gave valuable help: 218 were sent to special places, 63 were added to full-time stations, 12 on vedettes or small fast motorboats. They were responsible forhelping 941 people, assisting 481 boats and saving 123 lives. As in 1972, these young auxiliary lifesavers certainly proved their worth.

Statistics show that 2,710 people were rescued during 1973: 571 of them from certain death. Speaking for the Societe, Admiral Amman called for larger government grants and further public support. He particularly congratulated Britain on the voluntary support given to the RNLI and hoped his appeal would be heard by the French people.

Finally, he said that 350,000 pleasure boats were actually afloat and used by 1,200,000 holiday-makers: just 5 francs a boat (50p) would save the SNSM from sinking.—G.R.T..