OCT. 17TH. - AMBLE, AND BOULMER, NORTHUMBERLAND. A steamer had been reported in distress. Her position was given as nine miles S.E. of Coquet Island, and the Amble motor life-boat was launched.

A warning of an air-raid had been given shortly before. The life-boat found the S.S.. Asse, of Denmark. Her engine had broken down, but the engineers hoped to repair it. The life-boat returned to her station. While at sea she saw gun fire from a destroyer. At Boulmer explosions had been seen at sea and gun fire heard. Aeroplanes had also been heard but not seen.

Then a message was received that an aeroplane was in distress thirty-eight miles E. 1/4 S.

from Coquet Island. Only three hours of daylight remained. The chance of finding the aeroplane was remote. The life-boat, which had Mr. William S. Stanton, the honorary secretary, on board, decided to make for the vessel to which the Amble lifeboat had gone in case there had been a serious casualty. In view of the firing at sea the life-boat flew the Institution’s house flag.

Half an hour after putting out the life-boat saw what appeared to be shells bursting, but went on her way. She searched but could find neither the Amble life-boat nor the Danish vessel and returned to her station four hours after putting out. - Rewards : Amble, £11 8s. ; Boulmer, £23 6S..