Southend-on-Sea, Essex. On the 27th of June, 1958, while the life-boat Greater London II (Civil Service No. 30) was at sea carrying out machinery trials, the coxswain received a message from the pilot boat British Angler that a small boat needed help north of Middle Shoebury buoy. There was a rough sea, with a strong westerly wind blowing and an ebb tide. The life-boat went to the position and found a ship's boat with nine men on board. Her engine had broken down and she was very close to the sands. A line was passed to her and she was taken in tow to her ship, the Gladstone Star. The life-boat then returned to her station, arriving at 4.45. Rewards to the crew, £7. 4s. ; rewards to the helpers on shore, £3 10s..