Shortly before 1 P.M. on the 17th April a brig was observed on the Swin Middle Sand. No distress signal could be seen, but the dangerous position of the vessel was considered sufficient to warrant the launching of the Life-boat. The Albert Edward therefore put off, and proceeded under double-reef canvas, through a heavy E. gale, to the vessel, which proved to be' the Thorley, of Hartlepool, coal laden.

Her hull was under water, and she was fast breaking up, and evidence of the hurried departure of the crew, for she had been abandoned, led the Life-boatmen to suppose that they had left in their own boat, and had been picked up by a passing vessel. The Life-boat then proceeded towards the Middle Light, but seeing no signal she returned to her station.

At about midnight the Coastguard reported that rockets were being fired by the Maplin Light, and afterwards signals from the Swin Middle were seen. The Life-boat again proceeded out under double-reef sails, with a heavy E. wind and a high sea, to the Lightship, and found that the crew of the Thorley, consisting of 8 men, had taken refuge there, and were anxious to be brought ashore.

With much difficulty they were got into the Life-boat and brought safely to Clacton, arriving there at about 10.15. The brig, which was 104 years old, quickly became a total wreck..