DEC. 23RD. - LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK.

At 7 P.M. the coastguard reported the motor trawler Purple Heather, of Lowestoft, ashore at Corton. The weather was very cold and foggy, with a heavy ground swell and a southwesterly breeze. Putting out at 7.30 P.M.

the motor life-boat Michael Stephens found the trawler stranded on the mainland in a dangerous position surrounded by old broken iron piles and sea defence works. She got alongside her, and took off two of her crew.

Then she stood by all night. It was so cold that ice formed on the life-boat. Next morning she tried to refloat the trawler, but found that a tug would be needed. As the trawler was in no immediate danger she returned to her station at 9.35 A.M. after fourteen hours at sea. Later, the Purple Heather was refloated by a tug. - Rewards, £33 1s..