At 3.40 P.M.

on the 28th September the Coastguard reported that a barquentine was ashore on the Sunk Sands, and the crew of the Motor Life-boat Albert Edward were promptly assembled. A moderate S.W.

breeze was blowing, but the sea was very heavy. The Life-boat proceeded to the sands, where the stranded vessel was found to be the Leading Chief, of Guernsey, bound from London to Shields, with a cargo of burnt ore. The Cox- swain, George Grigson, at once offered the services of the Life-boatmen to assist in refloating the vessel, which had a heavy list. At first their services were declined but, later, the captain of the distressed vessel decided to employ them. Whilst about forty tons of cargo were being jettisoned the weather became a good deal worse, and the wind veered to N.E. and increased to a gale. It therefore became necessary to abandon the work, the hatches were replaced, and the Life-boatmen who had been on board, with the exception of the Cox- swain and three others, returned to the boat. The Life-boat remained near at hand in the hope that when the tide ebbed there would be a further oppor- tunity of discharging the cargo. As high water appi'oacbed, however, the vessel commenced to bump heavily and to fill with water. The Coxswain, realising the danger, at once called the Life-boat alongside; the crew on the sinking vessel meanwhile taking refuge on the mizen boom. Owing to the ship settling down rapidly, her decks became submerged before the Life-boat could save the men, and to reach them it became necessary to take the Life-boat over the submerged deck, a most hazar- dous operation in the inky darkness and with such a heavy sea. It was not until after nine attempts had been made that all the men were got safely into the boat. During the time the Coxswain was on board the vessel he was hurled from the cabin hatch to the mainmast where, fortunately, he was able to seize hold of a rope which saved him from being washed overboard.

Two other members of the crew also had exciting experiences, both being washed off the vessel, but happily without fatal results, as the Life-boat succeeded in picking them up. As soon as the men were saved the Life-boat started on her return journey : to Clacton, which was not reached ! until nearly 10 A.M. next morning, the rescue having been performed at [ about 4 A.M. All the men were in a I thoroughly exhausted condition after j their trying time, but as soon as they were landed everything possible was done for their comfort. When the Life- boat left the vessel she wag a total wreck, and the crew lost all their posses- sions.

This service, which is reported to have been one of the most difficult and arduous performed by the Life-boat crew, was a fine example of skilful sea- j manship, and called forth the highest ! commendation. In recognition of the I gallantry displayed, the Committee of Management awarded to George Grigson, the Coxswain, the Silver Second Service j Clasp, he having been granted the Silver j Medal as recently as last December for j his services in connection with the wreck of the s.s. Harlington. The Committee also granted Grigson and each of the other members of the crew an additional monetary reward..