STORMS CONTINUE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21409, 27 February 1935, Page 11

STORMS CONTINUE

SOUTHERN ENGLAND SUFFERS LIGHTSHIP CREWS BROUGHT ASHORE (BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.) ' • RUGBY, February 25. Stormy weather continues throughout the British Isles. Heavy snowfalls occurred in South Wales and other parts in southern England. The storms were accompanied by lightning and hail and considerable damage was caused.

Mountainous seas broke over Chesil beach, isolating Portland Bill from the mainland. Despite the density of the storm not one of the occupants of the bombers which were forced down in Northumberland was hurt sen ously, although one machine, striking rough ground, turned over, the pilot and observer being badly shaken. Vessels round the coast encountered extremely heavy weather, and several distress calls were answered by lifeboats. After waiting for 12 days for relief which was overdue because oi almost continuous south-westerly gales, the crews of four lightships off the Irish coast at Wexford were brought ashore at Rosslare in the week-end. For 26 days the men had been isolated, and their supplies of fresh food had run out, while their water supply had to be rationed. The crews were relieved only at a considerable risk while the heavy seas were still running.