Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—At 2.15 A.M.

on the 4th May, 1938, the coastguard reported a light about six miles S.W.

by S. Watch was kept, and after some time it was decided to send out the motor life-boat Edward Z. Dresden to investigate. She was launched at 3.30 A.M. A N.E. gale was blowing, with a very rough sea. Nine and a half miles S.W. by W., on Ridge Sands, the life-boat found the sprit-sail barge Florence Myall, of Rochester. She was bound from Rowhedge for Benfleet laden with sand, and carried a crew of two. Her steering-gear had broken and her hatches had been carried away. The men had abandoned her and were lying astern in the small boat. The life-boat rescued them, and returned to her station at 7.10 A.M.—Rewards, £13 45..