Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—At 8.50 on the evening of the 29th of August, 1953, the coastguard rang up to say that a yacht at Pollard Spit was signalling and needed help. At 9.30 the life-boat Greater London, Civil Service No. 3 was launched. The sea was rough with a moderate west-south-west gale blowing. With the help of her search- light, the life-boat found the yacht Escape, of Upnor, with a crew of four.

The Escape was aground half a mile south-south-west of Pollard Spit Buoy, and the life-boat stood by her. She refloated on the rising tide and went on her way to the Isle of Sheppey.

The life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 4.10 on the 30th.—• Rewards, £13 11s..