MAY 2ND. - SOUTHEND - ON - SEA, ESSEX. At 2.40 in the morning a message was received from Southend coastguard that a vessel was burning flares and firing rockets three miles east of Southend pier. A strong easterly breeze was blowing, and the sea was rough. The motor life-boat Greater London (Civil Service No. 3) was launched at 3.5, and found the sailing barge Astrild off the defence boom. She had smashed into the boom and her cargo had shifted, causing her to list.

The seas were mounting, and the barge was in danger of sinking. Three life-boatmen went on board and got her clear of the boom. The life-boat then towed her to a safe anchorage and returned to her station, arriving at 1.45 in the afternoon. - Property salvage case..