The sprit-sail barge Cecilia, of London, whilst bound from Orford Haven to Grimsby, with a cargo of shingle, had her sails blown away when off Saltfleet on the 8th April. Signals of distress were hoisted, and the Life-boat John Bowson Lingard was sent to her assistance. She found the vessel at anchor, and the crew of three hands were anxious to be landed as they were afraid their craft might break up or sink in the prevailing gale.

The men were accordingly taken off by the Life-boat which landed them. The boat was left on the beach in readiness to go off to save the vessel the next day; but the sea became worse and it was not possible to do so..