During a whole W. by S. gale on the night of the 28th-29th December the Life-boat James Stevens No. 9 was called out to the assistance of a vessel which was in difficulties near the Middle Shoebury Buoy. The Life-boat found the tug Woodcock, of London, drifting broad- side on to the sea, and after three attempts succeeded in getting alongside.

There were only four men on board, the tug was leaking, and there was not sufficient steam to get her under j way. The Life-boatmen cleared her anchor, which was foul, and then suc- ceeded in bringing her up. As all the pumps were choked it was necessary to bail the vessel out with buckets, and when this had been done sufficiently for the men to obtain coal, steam was got up, and she and her crew were brought in safety inside the pier-head.

The above service was completed at ! about 6.30 A.M., and as soon as the ! Life-boat returned it was reported that a barge was in difficulties on the West ' Shoebury Sands. The Life-boat there- i fore immediately proceeded to her as- i sistance. The two men "on board were taken off by the Life-boat, and some of the Life-boat crew took charge of the barge and brought her into Shoebury Bay. The Boat then returned to the pier and landed the crew of the barge, which was the Eliza, of Rochester.

As soon as the Boat got to the pier the signalman reported that another barge was in difficulties and foul of j a steamer at anchor, about one and a half miles west of the pier. The I Life-boat therefore proceeded to her | and placed four men on board who | brought her into Southend and moored her in safety. This vessel proved to be the John Tinnoth, of Rochester, and carried a crew of two hands..