Penlee Lifeboat Disaster

The Penlee Lifeboat disaster occurred 25 years ago today when she went to
the rescue of the crew of the coaster Union Star, a brand-new vessel whose

BunnyHare...

Gosh is it really that long ago since that happened
Brave men all those who go to sea

fuel had become contaminated with sea water.

Wrinklie One =?iso-8859-1?Q?=A9?=...

Does this stir any memories for you Mike...
My Nephew who lives in Gardenstown has just joined the Aberdeenshire CG
http://sites.ecosse.net/wrinklie/cg.jpg

Michaelangelo...

.

Regrettably BBC Scotland didn't show it. We had Bill Oddie instead.

Michaelangelo...

BBC2 Scotland, even

MCC...

I take it you don't have Sky Digital, Mike? I told my mate in Shetland that
the programme was being broadcast. All he had to do was select BBC2
Scotland and there it was for him.

MCC...

Ooops! That should of course read '...select BBC2 England...'
Another senior moment :-)

I was stationed at Falmouth Coastguard MRCC (Maritime Rescue Co-ordination
Centre) at the time but was actually on detached duty at Coastguard
Headquarters in High Holborn in London.
I have never worked so hard in my life as I did during the aftermath of
that incident, trying to keep the Coastguard hierarchy informed of
developments.

The BBC are broadcasting a programme tonight at 7 p.m. on BBC2 to
commemorate the disaster.

Mike Tullett...

Mike - my memory of that is so hazy, but was it weather related? If so,
usw might be appreciate a reminder of the programme.

MCC...

Winds were reported as SouthEasterly storm force 10 gusting hurricane force
12 - just about the worst possible conditions for Mount's Bay.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penlee_lifeboat_disaster gives a good account

The Penlee lifeboat was actually stationed in the village of Mousehole. As
a mark of respect each year, the village's Christmas light display is
turned off at 8 p.m. for an hour on this date.

There were no survivors from the lifeboat crew or the crew of the Union
Star, which included the captain's wife and two daughters.

Foxy at w*rk...

Sad story Mike I won't be in at 7 tonight but will try and get it taped

Jeff Gaines...

Extraordinarily brave people Lifeboat crews, and all done with absolutely
no song and dance!

Flyiñg Ñuñ 2°°6 +...

I think it was in Mousehole that we watched the lifeboat being launched back
in 1967 whilst on honeymoon in the area. Quite an impressive sight watching
it being driven through the high waves on what looked like full power.
Rather them than I though.