The Motor Life-boat Albert Edward was launched shortly after 10 A.M. on the 12th De- cember in response to a telephone message from the Gunfleet Lighthouse, reporting that a barge, with her masts1 and sails gone, was apparently drifting in the " Swin." When the Life-boat reached the barge, she proved to be the Lorna, of Grays, bound from Yarmouth to London with a cargo. Her sprit and topmast had carried away, and her sails had been blown to pieces, in addition to which she was anchored in very shallow water. Coxswain Grigson offered his services to assist in saving the barge, and they were accepted.

When the broken spars and sails had been cleared away, the anchor was hove up, and the vessel was assisted in safety to Brightlingsea..