DECEMBER 21ST. - LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK.

At 2.25 in the afternoon a message was received from the coastguard that a trawler had gone aground on the Newcome Sands, and ten minutes later the motor lifeboat Michael Stephens was launched. A strong easterly gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea. The life-boat found that the trawler was the Niblick, on government service. Heavy seas were sweeping over her and had put out the engine-room fires. The crew was gathered in the bows, ready to be rescued. A tug had been trying to haul the trawler off, but without success. The lifeboat went alongside and got a wire hawser to the trawler, but it parted. Then a huge wave engulfed the life-boat, drenched all hercrew, and lifted the trawler off the sands.

The tug got the trawler in tow and, with the life-boat acting as escort, brought her into harbour. The life-boat returned to her moorings at 4.30 P.M. - Reward, £7 4s. 6d.