Signals of distress having been shown by the Middle Light Vessel on the 16th February, the Life-boat Albert Edward was launched at 1.15 A.M., proceeded to the Lightship and was informed that a vessel was ashore on the Maplin Sands.

The Life-boat then went to the Sands and found the ketch Don, of Great Yarmouth, stranded about three miles W.N.W. of the Swin Lightship. The Life-boat remained by her until the following tide, laid out an anchor and got the vessel afloat. The ketch had lost her rudder, and, as the wind and tide were adverse, considerable difficulty was experienced with the vessel until a jury rudder had been rigged, when she was taken into the river at Burnham, the pumps being continually at work during the whole time. The LifeboatLifeboat men were engaged nearly forty-two hours in rendering this service and suffered much from the intense cold, blinding snowstorms, great exertion and want of sleep.

The rigging of the boat was covered with ice..