At 11.10 P.M.

on the 4th June the Coastguard reported that the Swin Middle Light-vessel was firing signals of distress. The crew of the motor Life-boat Albert Edward were at once assembled and the boat launched.

When she reached the Light-vessel she learned that flares had been seen bearing W.N.W. She proceeded in that direc- tion and found the sprit-sail barge Afternoon, of Rochester, high and dry, on the Foulness Sand, and three of the Life-boat's crew waded to her. Only the mate and a dog were on board, the master having previously been knocked overboard and drowned. When the tide flowed the barge floated clear of the sand, and the Life-boat assisted her into Brightlingsea..