Penlee lifeboat loss 31 years ago today
Discussion
Thirty five years ago today the Penlee Lifeboat was lost with all hands along with the crew and family members aboard the Union Star.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penlee_lifeboat_disas...
Spare a thought for those who lost their lives that night and take comfort from the fact that there are people who will lay it on the line with no thought of reward when we need them most.
R.I.P.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penlee_lifeboat_disas...
Spare a thought for those who lost their lives that night and take comfort from the fact that there are people who will lay it on the line with no thought of reward when we need them most.
R.I.P.
Edited by Athlon on Sunday 18th December 21:56
Part of the problem was Moreton was an up and coming skipper who had just been given command of a brand new ship, if he had accepted the open form tow it would have cost the company and huge bill and it is believed he was worried he would loose his command, they had figured the problem and were pretty sure they could get the engines running, that belief plus a miscalculation over the distance to the shore sealed their fate.
If you read the accounts of that day, when the Lizard boat launched to search for the Solomon Brown, the cox waited to launch as the boat was in desperate risk of getting washed off the slip on the way down, he timed the launch release as a wave hit the boathouse and chased it down the slip, some say it is one of the best slip launches ever done as in theory the boat could not launch into the sea driving in the way it was, it must of been a desperate crew who wanted to help their friends that drove them on.
The Sennon boat tried but failed to get around Lands End, where the two sea runs meet they made it over one 60 foot wave and down the other side but could not get further, if they had stayed out there would have been two crews lost that night.
The boat from the Scilly Isles faired better, they had one of the (then) new and state of the art Arun class boats, it is said that on the way over, running with the sea they actually surfed a wave for 1/4 of a mile! scary stuff.
The Lizard Lifeboat was holed that night though she made it home.
A word should also be mentioned about the helicopter crew out of Culdrose, they also showed supreme skill and bravery and went far beyong what they should have done, backing into the cliffs pushing agains 100 mph winds (outside the operating envelope) several time the mast of the ship almost hit the rotors as they tried to help.
Brave beyond words all of them.
If you read the accounts of that day, when the Lizard boat launched to search for the Solomon Brown, the cox waited to launch as the boat was in desperate risk of getting washed off the slip on the way down, he timed the launch release as a wave hit the boathouse and chased it down the slip, some say it is one of the best slip launches ever done as in theory the boat could not launch into the sea driving in the way it was, it must of been a desperate crew who wanted to help their friends that drove them on.
The Sennon boat tried but failed to get around Lands End, where the two sea runs meet they made it over one 60 foot wave and down the other side but could not get further, if they had stayed out there would have been two crews lost that night.
The boat from the Scilly Isles faired better, they had one of the (then) new and state of the art Arun class boats, it is said that on the way over, running with the sea they actually surfed a wave for 1/4 of a mile! scary stuff.
The Lizard Lifeboat was holed that night though she made it home.
A word should also be mentioned about the helicopter crew out of Culdrose, they also showed supreme skill and bravery and went far beyong what they should have done, backing into the cliffs pushing agains 100 mph winds (outside the operating envelope) several time the mast of the ship almost hit the rotors as they tried to help.
Brave beyond words all of them.
IroningMan said:
This may be nothing more than an outright display of ignorance on my part, but looking at the footage of the Union Star in the days after the tragedy - wouldn't it have been possible to survive on board her?
I'm not suggesting that Moreton should have called-off the rescue, or anything like that, but she didn't break up for days or more: under those circumstances could you expect to stay alive?
Repots stated the living quarters were not wet so maybe they could have survived, however it was not just water they were dealing with, the ship was being hammered and I doubt many could have survived the constant impacts and throwing about, regardless of the fact no one knew what would happen when she hit the rocks, she cold have just broken up there and then.I'm not suggesting that Moreton should have called-off the rescue, or anything like that, but she didn't break up for days or more: under those circumstances could you expect to stay alive?
Once more the anniversary of the Penlee lifeboat loss comes around.
RIP to the crew who lost their lives that terrible night of the Cornish coast.
The link is to the last messages sent from the Solomon Browne, it is desperately sad as you hear the sudden loss of the bravest of men.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxKyQrcQFUU
Please spare a moment to think about the crew and their family after dark on the 19th December.
RIP to the crew who lost their lives that terrible night of the Cornish coast.
The link is to the last messages sent from the Solomon Browne, it is desperately sad as you hear the sudden loss of the bravest of men.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxKyQrcQFUU
Please spare a moment to think about the crew and their family after dark on the 19th December.
Once again the time of year has come around when we take a moment to remember the incredibly brave crew of the Solomon Browne that launched for the last time from Penlee going to attempt to rescue the crew and passengers of the Union Star.
As I am sure you are aware, they didn't return that night of the 19th December 1981 35 years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeIX0VnUMKo&t=...
The link is the BBC documentary of the events, have a tissue ready.
Fair winds and calm seas to the crew, rest easy, you will NEVER be forgotten.
As I am sure you are aware, they didn't return that night of the 19th December 1981 35 years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeIX0VnUMKo&t=...
The link is the BBC documentary of the events, have a tissue ready.
Fair winds and calm seas to the crew, rest easy, you will NEVER be forgotten.
On the 19th December 1981 the Penlee lifeboat, RNLB. Solomon Browne launched on service for the last time.
She and her brave crew never came home.
If you do not know the history of the Penlee lifeboat tragedy then take a few minutes to watch this video, have a tissue ready as you watch a story about true hero's giving everything to try and help others in peril.
R.I.P. the crew of the Solomon Browne, you will never be forgotten, Always in our hearts.
The Cruel sea
She and her brave crew never came home.
If you do not know the history of the Penlee lifeboat tragedy then take a few minutes to watch this video, have a tissue ready as you watch a story about true hero's giving everything to try and help others in peril.
R.I.P. the crew of the Solomon Browne, you will never be forgotten, Always in our hearts.
The Cruel sea
matchmaker said:
At 39:43 on that video my blood runs cold.
Every time I hear that I get a lump in my throat and my voice cracks, the sound of exhaustion in the voice but still getting on with it until the very last second is awe inspiring, the sudden quietness is devastating.I am fortunate to know people at Penlee today and have even been out on the current Penlee lifeboat, these people on the front line of the RNLI are incredible, brave, selfless and modest, it is an honour to know some of them and count some as my good friends.
I give some time to fundraise for them, to try and help keep them safe, it is a pleasure to do it and fun as well! Maybe some of you guys could look at spending a couple of hours with your local branch holding a bucket or more? I assure you , you would be very well received
Merry Christmas to all who read this thread, thank you for thinking of the crew of the Solomon Browne at this time. Here's to a peaceful time for all of us over the holiday period, remember the crews are 24/7 365 days a year.
You can donate to specific stations either to them directly or to any branch who can bank it then 'restrict' it to a station that the donor specifies. we have banked for Penlee and Lytham in the last year.
Taking a shoreline membership puts the money from that into central funding to go towards new boats, station and kit upgrades etc etc.
Taking a shoreline membership puts the money from that into central funding to go towards new boats, station and kit upgrades etc etc.
Once more it is that time of year when thoughts turn once again towards Cornwall and Mousehole as we remember the incredibly brave men who put to sea on the Solomon Browne in atrocious weather to go to the aid of a desperate group of people, only this time to be beaten by nature and never return home to families and friends
R.I.P. Coxswain Trevelyan Richards, Second Coxswain/Mechanic Stephen Madron, Assistant Mechanic Nigel Brockman, Emergency Mechanic John Blewett, and crewmembers Charlie Greenhaugh, Kevin Smith, Barrie Torrie and Gary Wallis
Never heard the story? BBC Documentary Have a tissue ready for the radio transmissions.
I shall raise a glass to them on the 19th. Genuine heroes each and every one.
R.I.P. Coxswain Trevelyan Richards, Second Coxswain/Mechanic Stephen Madron, Assistant Mechanic Nigel Brockman, Emergency Mechanic John Blewett, and crewmembers Charlie Greenhaugh, Kevin Smith, Barrie Torrie and Gary Wallis
Never heard the story? BBC Documentary Have a tissue ready for the radio transmissions.
I shall raise a glass to them on the 19th. Genuine heroes each and every one.
Once again the time of year has come around where we turn our thoughts to the brave volunteer lifeboat crew who lost their lives trying to save the crew of the Union Star, it is now 38 years since that terrible night.
For those who have never heard the story of that night, please consider watching this BBC film : Penlee disaster
This year I also think that we should remember just how brave the crew of the SAR helicopter flying out of Culdrose were, operating right on the edge of the capabilities of the craft, sometimes taking calculated risks flying in no go zones to try and help.
We should also think about the crews from Lizard, St Mary's and Sennon who launched to try and help their friends when they heard the Paenlee boat was in trouble, the seas were massive, to big for Sennon to round Lands End so they had to turn back, the Cox of the boat used simple terms to explain sea state to those of us who cannot understand how big they are, " Huge as a house" he would say, this night he stated they turned back as the seas were as tall as a cathedral and to carry on trying would result in a search for more bodies.
Lizard returned after many hours at sea and when the boat was re-housed they found it had broken the keel....and St Mary's who had a new at the time Arun class (big, modern style boat) stated they surfed a wave for 1/2 of a mile on their run from the Scilly's ...
Anyway, please spend a moment on the 19th in the evening to remember the brave folk who went afloat that night and are still out.
To the crew of the Penlee Lifeboat, Never forgotten, Always in our hearts. R.I.P.
Edit to say I still cannot listen to the radio calls without getting a tear in my eyes, but I still watch that film this time every year to remind me just how bloody brave the lifeboat crews are.
For those who have never heard the story of that night, please consider watching this BBC film : Penlee disaster
This year I also think that we should remember just how brave the crew of the SAR helicopter flying out of Culdrose were, operating right on the edge of the capabilities of the craft, sometimes taking calculated risks flying in no go zones to try and help.
We should also think about the crews from Lizard, St Mary's and Sennon who launched to try and help their friends when they heard the Paenlee boat was in trouble, the seas were massive, to big for Sennon to round Lands End so they had to turn back, the Cox of the boat used simple terms to explain sea state to those of us who cannot understand how big they are, " Huge as a house" he would say, this night he stated they turned back as the seas were as tall as a cathedral and to carry on trying would result in a search for more bodies.
Lizard returned after many hours at sea and when the boat was re-housed they found it had broken the keel....and St Mary's who had a new at the time Arun class (big, modern style boat) stated they surfed a wave for 1/2 of a mile on their run from the Scilly's ...
Anyway, please spend a moment on the 19th in the evening to remember the brave folk who went afloat that night and are still out.
To the crew of the Penlee Lifeboat, Never forgotten, Always in our hearts. R.I.P.
Edit to say I still cannot listen to the radio calls without getting a tear in my eyes, but I still watch that film this time every year to remind me just how bloody brave the lifeboat crews are.
Edited by Athlon on Wednesday 18th December 18:11
Deerfoot said:
Athlon,
Many thanks for the link to the BBC show above, I watched it last night and I can still remember it happening even though I was only 10 at the time.
The radio message was indeed very difficult to hear.
RIP.
My pleasure and thank you for taking time to watch it. It is really important that we remember the volunteers that lost their lives that night, and also of course the crew of the Union Star.Many thanks for the link to the BBC show above, I watched it last night and I can still remember it happening even though I was only 10 at the time.
The radio message was indeed very difficult to hear.
RIP.
Merry Christmas
Once again our thoughts turn to Cornwall as we remember the brave efforts by the crew of the Penlee Lifeboat as they tried so hard to rescue the crew and passengers on board the Union Star as she hit the coast near Lamorna.
Thirty nine years have past since that awful night and the feeling of loss in Mousehole and indeed throughout the RNLI community is still there.
If you do not know the story of the night and the incredible bravery of the lifeboat crew and the 771 Squadron helicopter crew then you can watch a BBC documentary on Youtube here: penlee story
If, after watching it you feel you would like to donate to the RNLI you can do so here: lifeboats donation page
It has been the busiest year for a long time for the crews this year with some tough conditions to deal with, even a Shannon class boat, the latest in the fleet got knocked down after a shout, happily she stood back up due to the self righting properties if the boat but it still brings home how dangerous it is for the volunteers to go to sea at times.
Due to covid there will be little remembrance of the disaster this year but the crew will always be in our hearts, please, take a moment at 9 p.m. (ish) tomorrow night to remember them, maybe raise a glass to true heroes?
Cheers.
Thirty nine years have past since that awful night and the feeling of loss in Mousehole and indeed throughout the RNLI community is still there.
If you do not know the story of the night and the incredible bravery of the lifeboat crew and the 771 Squadron helicopter crew then you can watch a BBC documentary on Youtube here: penlee story
If, after watching it you feel you would like to donate to the RNLI you can do so here: lifeboats donation page
It has been the busiest year for a long time for the crews this year with some tough conditions to deal with, even a Shannon class boat, the latest in the fleet got knocked down after a shout, happily she stood back up due to the self righting properties if the boat but it still brings home how dangerous it is for the volunteers to go to sea at times.
Due to covid there will be little remembrance of the disaster this year but the crew will always be in our hearts, please, take a moment at 9 p.m. (ish) tomorrow night to remember them, maybe raise a glass to true heroes?
Cheers.
Ayahuasca said:
ResQ1 said:
I cant help but feel that they launched, fully knowing that it was likely a one way trip.
I hope not; there is a difference between courage and pointless suicide. The situation changed very quickly as they arrived on scene and in the end it was bad luck as much as anything that lost the boat.
Thanks to those who have donated to the RNLI either through my link or direct, it is much appreciated. Merry Christmas
This year is the 40th anniversary of that terrible night when the bravest of men lost their battle with the elements trying to save others.
If you don't know the story, the documentary can be viewed here: The cruel sea
The families of the crew are raising funds for a permanent memorial on the cliff top overlooking the site where the boats were lost, it will be dedicated to the Lifeboat crew and those aboard the Union Star. If you would like to donate and help them reach their target, I believe they are only £2000 short now with offline donations included. there is a justGiving page here : Solomon Browne & Union Star Memorial Project
I watch the documentary every year and my friend who attends the lights out at Mousehole takes flowers to the old station for us. I can never stop the tears when I hear the desperate calls from the coastguard to the Solomon Browne, it feels like yesterday. I know family members and others at Penlee and I can tell you it never gets easier for them at this time of year, this being the 40th is especially difficult for some.
On the 19th at 6p.m. there will be a 'wave of light' lit around Mousehole harbour and a moments remembrance, there is a webcam that should work via the Aspects Holidays website if you want to watch.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the RNLI and for all the lovely messages left here over the years I have kept this thread going! We will never forget the loss of the Penlee boat or indeed any of the boats that have been lost over the years.
If you watch the documentary for the first time to learn about the disaster and just how brave the crew ere and the incredible acts of seamanship that took place that night, have tissues ready as you will be moved to tears.
Merry Christmas and thank you again for the messages and support to the Penlee lifeboat family, they do get read..
If you don't know the story, the documentary can be viewed here: The cruel sea
The families of the crew are raising funds for a permanent memorial on the cliff top overlooking the site where the boats were lost, it will be dedicated to the Lifeboat crew and those aboard the Union Star. If you would like to donate and help them reach their target, I believe they are only £2000 short now with offline donations included. there is a justGiving page here : Solomon Browne & Union Star Memorial Project
I watch the documentary every year and my friend who attends the lights out at Mousehole takes flowers to the old station for us. I can never stop the tears when I hear the desperate calls from the coastguard to the Solomon Browne, it feels like yesterday. I know family members and others at Penlee and I can tell you it never gets easier for them at this time of year, this being the 40th is especially difficult for some.
On the 19th at 6p.m. there will be a 'wave of light' lit around Mousehole harbour and a moments remembrance, there is a webcam that should work via the Aspects Holidays website if you want to watch.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the RNLI and for all the lovely messages left here over the years I have kept this thread going! We will never forget the loss of the Penlee boat or indeed any of the boats that have been lost over the years.
If you watch the documentary for the first time to learn about the disaster and just how brave the crew ere and the incredible acts of seamanship that took place that night, have tissues ready as you will be moved to tears.
Merry Christmas and thank you again for the messages and support to the Penlee lifeboat family, they do get read..
Edited by Athlon on Tuesday 14th December 18:15
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