JANUARY 4TH. - AITH, SHETLANDS.

On the 2nd January, Dr. Cruickshank, of Walls, telephoned that the Queen’s District Nurse on Foula Island was dangerously ill and would have to be taken to the mainland.

He asked if the life-boat could be used as an ambulance, as the ferry service had been suspended for over six weeks owing to bad weather. It was decided that the life-boat should go when it was certain that a landing could he made, and on the morning of the 4th January, news came at 6.35 A.M. that it would be possible. The weather was cold with snow showers. A moderate northerly breeze was now blowing, but the sea was rough, with a heavy ground swell. At 8 A.M. the motor life-boat The Rankin was launched, and made for Walls. There she took aboard the doctor. She also took on board food supplies, which were urgently needed by the islanders. She reached Fouls at 3.15 P.M., embarked the patient, landed her at Walls, and returned to her station at 10.4 P.M. - Rewards, £20 4s. 6d.

No expense to the Institution.