Penlee lifeboat disaster memorial day

[peckerwoo]

In remembrance to the bravery of the crew of the RNLI lifeboat "Soloman Browne", perished with all lives lost 22 years ago today 19th Dec 1981 off the south cornish coast in storm force seas, "service not self" - heroes are never forgotten!

[Rich2484]

This was on my to do list for my thread.

 

Thank you.

 

A true act of selfless heroism. Although if you ask any member of the rnli if they consider themselves heroes they will always say no. Just doing what we are there for, will be the answer.

 

It was a huge loss. And so close to Xmas. The port village of mouse hole was just starting the Xmas celebrations. There are transcripts online of the radio conversations betweent he coast guard and lifeboat.

 

Winston Churchill quote. “The lifeboat drives on with a mercy, which does not quail in the presence of death; It drives on as a

proof, a symbol, an affirmation, that man is created in the image of God, and that valour, and virtue, have not perished in the British race.”

[truncator]

I'm from Porthtowan in cornwall and it was our surf club kids disco ( was 13) a monster of a storm. Woke up to the news. unbelievable act of heroism.

 

There is nowhere to hide on the sea.

 

From the pilot of the seaking helicopter at the scene

 

The greatest act of courage that I have ever seen, and am ever likely to see, was the penultimate courage and dedication shown by the Penlee [crew] when it manoeuvred back alongside the casualty in over 60 ft breakers and rescuing four people shortly after the Penlee had been bashed on top of the casualty's hatch covers. They were truly the bravest eight men I've ever seen who were also totally dedicated to upholding the highest standards of the RNLI.

[peckerwoo]

Something I will never forget for sure (I was 12 at the time and visited my aunt & uncle the following summer years in Helston) and every time I take a seat and view out across mounts bay I think on and I also tell the story to young and old alike who didn`t know what happened that night and every time I tell it I still get that eery feeling and my goosepimples rise? maybe that American exchange pilot out of Culdrose does too?

Strangely enough I also talk of the 2 bobbies swept off Cliff road/Harbour road in Porthleven to their deaths the year (1980?) before!

,,and it`s time I bought some RNLI merchandise again too Rich2482

[Peasgood]

May God bless their souls