Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—In the morn- ing of the 9th of December, 1948, a strong southerly gale was blowing.

At 8.35 a barge was seen to be in diffi- culty three-quarters of a mile west of the pier, and the motor life-boat Greater London, Civil Service No. 3, was launched at nine o'clock. She went through very heavy seas to the barge, which was the G.C.B., of Rochester, laden with maize and bound for Ipswich. She found the crew of two trying to get a small boat away, res- cued them, and returned to her station at 9.40. About two hours later, the Canvey Island lookout reported a barge flying distress signals near the No. 4 Sea Reach Buoy, and the life-boat was again launched. It was then 11.45.

She found the London barge Senta a mile west of No. 4 Sea Reach Buoy, but a tug was standing by, and, as she was not needed, the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 1.10. The gale had now dropped to a fresh breeze, and it was decided that an attempt should be made to salve the G.C.B. At 1.50 the life-boat put out for the third time, and found the G.C.B. only slightly damaged, but leaking. She towed her in, anchored her, and then returned to her station, arriving at 4.20.—Rewards: first launch, £7 10s.; second launch, £10 15s.; third launch, property salvage case..