Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—On the morn- ing of the 21st of February, 1955, it was thought that the sailing barges May. of Ipswich, and Portlight, of Harwich, each with a crew of two, were in a dangerous position because of the bad weather. They had been at anchor about two miles east-north-east of Clacton pier since the evening before.

At 10.25 the Portlight burnt a flare, and at 10.38 the life-boat Sir Godfrey Baring was launched in a rough sea.

There was a strong east-by-north wind, and it was high water. The life-boat found that both barges were dragging their anchors. She made at once for the May, which was nearer the shore, and wirelessed for the Walton and Frinton life-boat to help the Portlight.

The Clacton-on-Sea life-boat towed the May to Felixstowe and then went to Harwich because of the weather, re- turning to her station the following morning. The Walton and Frinton life-boat towed the Portlight to Har- wich.—Property Salvage Case..