DEC. 8TH. - LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK.

At 5.30 P.M. a message was received that H.M. Minesweeper Susette had gone aground on North Beach and was making signals of distress A whole S.S.E. gale was blowing and she had missed the harbour entrance.

As she had grounded high on the beach, the life-boat could not get near her, but she was kept ready, fully manned. The crew of the trawler remained on board her. Next day the senior naval officer at Lowestoft asked for the help of the life-boat to refloat the trawler.

A west wind was then blowing, with a moderate sea. At 5.30 A.M. the motor lifeboat Michael Stephens was launched. She stood by while the tug Lowestoft towedH.M. Minesweeper Susette off the beach and took her into harbour. The life-boat then returned to her station. - Rewards : first launch, £10 ; second launch expenses met by naval authorities..