Early in the war the building of motor life-boats almost ceased, because of the demands on the shipyards made by the fighting services. During the five years and eight months of war, 17 new life-boats were sent to the coast. In normal years it would have been between 60 and 70. At the same time the Institution lost five boats destroyed by the enemy, two captured, and three requisitioned by the government. Two of the three requisitioned boats, and one of the two captured, will return to the fleet. As soon as the yards are free to take its work again the Institution will build 29 boats as a first step towards making up for the losses and delays of war..