During a heavy S.W. gale on the 25th June the Coast- guard reported by telephone that a vessel was burning flares for assistance off East Lane Point. The No. 1 Life- boat Ann Fawcett proceeded to Shingle Street and found the schooner L'espoir de I'avenir, of Rotterdam, with six men aboard, aground and her rudder gone.

The captain of the schooner gave up charge of the vessel to the Coxswain in • order that he might try and save her.

The boat stood by for two hours whilst efforts were made, the Coxswain then sent to Harwich for the help of a tug.

The tug Garnet succeeded in getting her off, and the Life-boat then took up a position astern in order to act as a rudder. By their united efforts the tug and Life-boat brought the vessel safely into Harwich Harbour. During this service the sea was heavy, and the Life-boatmen were engaged for twelve hours..