FLASHING LIGHT SEEN Southend-on-Sea, Essex. At 12.40 p.m. on 26th September 1965, the coastguard notified the honorary secretary that the coaster Mary Birch had reported at 11.30 a.m. seeing a small flashing light north-west of Blacktail Spit close inshore. The life-boat Greater London II (Civil Service No. 30) was launched at 1.5 p.m. and proceeded in a strong southwesterly breeze and rough seas to the reported area. It was an hour and a half before high water. The life-boat came upon a cabin cruiser whose engine had broken down. There were four men aboard and the cruiser was taking water. Her crew were transferred to the life-boat, two life-boatmen taking their places while the cruiser was towed to moorings on Southend shore. The life-boat returned to her station at 3.45 p.m..