At 5.45 A.M. on the 2nd February, Coxswain John Swan was called out by the Coast-guard as a vessel was burning flares as a signal of distress. He at once assembled his crew and launched the Life-boat Kentwell, which proceeded to the New- combe Sands in tow of a tug. They there found the sprit sail barge Sirdar, of Grays, ashore and full of water, with heavy seas breaking over her. The Life-boat veered down to the vessel, and the crew of two men were immediately taken off and brought into harbour.

The vessel became a total wreck. Later in the day the Life-boat again proceeded to the vessel, but it was impossible to do anything to save her. At the time of the service a strong S.W. by S.

breeze was blowing with a heavy sea..