During a moderate W.N.W. gale and rough sea j on the 8th April the sprit sail barge I Mary Ann, of Rochester, stranded on the North East Buxey Sands, and the Motor Life-boat Albert Edward was dispatched to the assistance of those on board. When she reached the barge the master requested the boat to stand by as the vessel was an old one, and it was doubtful whether it would be possible to refloat her. During the afternoon, when the tide flowed, the barge was got clear of the sand and proceeded to Harwich, and, as the services of the Life-boat were no longer required, she returned to her station..