In response to signals, the Albert Edward Life-boat was launched at midnight on the 25th April, during a strong N.E. wind and a rough sea, and proceeded under double-reefed sails to the Swin Middle Light-vessel, where the crew were informed that there was a vessel on the Barrow Sands. The boat at once went in that direction, and found the barque Flekkefiord, of Flekkefjord, Norway, bound from Christiansand for London with a cargo of timber, and having a crew of twelve men, stranded about a third of a mile S.S.W. of the Middle Barrow Buoy; she was full of water, and her rudder was unshipped.

Preparations were made for getting the vessel afloat, and when the tide rose, the steam-tug Storm Cock attached her hawser, and eventually the barque was got afloat and taken to London, the Lifeboat remaining astern so as to steer her as far as the Chapman Light. The Lifeboat was taken in tow by the s.s. America on her return, and arrived back at her station at about 7.30 A.M. on the 27th April. The Coxswain and five of the Life-boat men remained on board the barque, to assist to take her to London..