On the 25th March, while a strong breeze was blowing from N.E., accompanied by a rough sea and snow squalls, the Coastguard reported a vessel on the Buxey Sand, showing a signal of distress.

At 10.30 a.m. the Life-boat Albert Edward was launched and found the fishing smack William and Eliza, of Colchester, stranded on the N.E. part of bhe sand and bumping heavily. The master asked the Life-boatmen to remain by him ; his request was acceded to, and when the tide rose the smack floated and was able to resume her journey, having received no apparent injury..