At 8 A.M.

on the 12th February the Coastguard reported a barge at anchor near the South East Buxey Sand, with her fore- mast and head gear carried away, but there was no signal indicating that help was required. The barge was kept under observation and a little later a flag was hoisted as a signal of distress.

The Life-boat Albert Edward was promptly launched and found the ketch- rigged barge Cecilia, of London, bound for Whitstable with coal, in a crippled condition. The master reported that a steamer had collided with him the previous night. He availed himself of the offer of the Life-boatmen, and taking the barge in tow they succeeded in saving the vessel and her crew of four hands..