APRIL 7TH. - SOUTHEND - ON - SEA, ESSEX. At 6.25 P.M. the naval control asked for the help of the life-boat with a national fire service float which was in difficulties at the loading pier. A S.W. gale was blowing, with a very rough sea. The motor lifeboat J. B. Proudfoot* was launched at 6.45 P.M., and found the float, not only damaging herself, but likely to do a lot of damage to the pier. She had seven men on board. The life-boat anchored, got a rope to the float and towed her clear of the pier with the help of the float’s own power. The life-boat stood by until the fire float was safely moored and then returned to her station, arriving at 9 P.M. - Rewards, £7 1s..