When did the Solomon Browne lifeboat sink?
On a stormy December evening, the Penlee lifeboat Solomon Browne battled heavy seas and hurricane force winds to reach the Union Star, a stricken coaster being swept towards the coast of Cornwall. After several attempts to get alongside the coaster, the lifeboat crew rescued four of the eight people onboard.
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When did the Solomon Browne lifeboat sink?
19 December 1981
Penlee lifeboat disaster
| Date | 19 December 1981 (evening) |
| Location | Mount’s Bay, Cornwall, England |
| Coordinates | 50.0523°N 5.5774°W |
| Casualties | |
|---|---|
| 8 Solomon Browne lifeboat crew lost |
Did anyone survive the Penlee lifeboat disaster?
On a stormy December evening, the Penlee lifeboat Solomon Browne battled heavy seas and hurricane force winds to reach the Union Star, a stricken coaster being swept towards the coast of Cornwall. After several attempts to get alongside the coaster, the lifeboat crew rescued four of the eight people onboard.
Why did the Union Star refuse tug assistance?
Morton refused the offer, unwilling to pay an undetermined amount for salvage. The fuel supply of the UNION STAR became contaminated by sea water and the weather continued to worsen, so she put out a distress signal to the Falmouth coastguard.
How many died in the Penlee lifeboat disaster?
16 people
The tragedy at sea saw 16 people lose their lives on 19 December 1981. The eight crew of the Solomon Browne lifeboat, based near Penzance, perished when called out to help the stricken cargo vessel Union Star, whose entire crew and on-board passengers also died.
What happened to the Longhope lifeboat?
The lifeboat is believed to have been overturned by a freak wave, possibly 100ft (30.5m) high. The lifeboat was found at 13.40 the following day by Thurso’s lifeboat. No-one on board survived. When the boat was recovered, the bodies of all but one of the crew were inside the hull.
Where is the Penlee lifeboat based?
Newlyn Harbour
| Penlee Lifeboat Station | |
|---|---|
| Location | Newlyn Harbour, TR18 5HW |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 50.1039°N 5.5487°WCoordinates:50.1039°N 5.5487°W |
| Owner | Royal National Lifeboat Institution |
Who died on the Solomon Browne?
By Saturday night, just five days after the voyage had begun, the Union Star lay battered and wrecked on the Cornish coast, and Henry Morton, his wife, daughters, and all his crew had perished.
Is the wreck of the Union Star still visible?
The remains of the wreck of the Union Star are visible at low tide. Access from Lamorna (2km). Walk west along the coast path past the light house and past the lone house beyond….
| Tide Table | ||
|---|---|---|
| LW | 03:20 | 1.50 |
| HW | 08:57 | 4.70 |
| LW | 15:32 | 1.70 |
| HW | 21:13 | 4.60 |
How many RNLI volunteers have died?
More than 600 people have lost their lives in the RNLI’s service; their names are inscribed on the RNLI Memorial sculpture at RNLI HQ, Poole.
When was the Longhope lifeboat disaster?
17 March, 1969
Eight men died when the Longhope lifeboat capsized on 17 March, 1969, after setting out late in the evening from Hoy in Orkney, to help the Liberian cargo ship Irene, which was adrift in a fierce storm.
Can you still see the wreck of the Union Star?
The remains of the wreck of the Union Star are visible at low tide. Access from Lamorna (2km). Walk west along the coast path past the light house and past the lone house beyond. As the path descends about 75m further on, a path diverges leftwards along a hidden wall.
What happened to Penlee lifeboat Solomon Brown?
Penlee’s Solomon Brownelifeboat in 1973 On a stormy December evening, the Penlee lifeboat Solomon Brownebattled heavy seas and hurricane force winds to reach the Union Star, a stricken coaster being swept towards the coast of Cornwall. After several attempts to get alongside the coaster, the lifeboat crew rescued four of the eight people onboard.
Who were the crew of the Solomon Browne lifeboat?
Coxswain of the Solomon Browne lifeboat 1960-1970. Jack Wallis, Mechanic Johnny Drew & Ned Tregenza. The memorial to the crew of the Solomon Browne lifeboat can be found in the north east corner of Paul church.
What was the cause of the loss of Solomon Browne?
The loss of the Solomon Browne was: in consequence of the persistent and heroic endeavours by the coxswain and his crew to save the lives of all from the Union Star. Such heroism enhances the highest traditions of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in whose service they gave their lives.
Who was the first RNLB lifeboat launched?
RNLB Solomon Browne. The original Penlee Lifeboat Station, from which Solomon Browne was launched. The Coastguard had difficulties contacting the secretary of the nearest lifeboat station, Penlee Lifeboat Station at Mousehole on the west side of the bay.
