Solomon Browne 30yrs
Soloman Browne
By DC
December 17 2011
There will be a minutes silence before kick off on Sunday (18th December 2011) in memory of the crew of the Penlee Lifeboat 'Solomon Browne' who perished on the 19th December 1981 when they went to the aid of the 'Union Star'.
There will be a minutes silence before kick off on Sunday in memory of the crew of the Solomon Browne
This weekend is the 30th anniversary of the Penlee Lifeboat Disaster, a time to reflect on the events of the 19th December 1981 when the 'Solomon Brown' went to the aid of the 'Union Star'.
In hurricane-force winds the "Solomon Browne" with her crew of 8 - including Pirate John Blewett (a former captain of the Reserves) - were lost.
The coaster 'Union Star' - with her 5 crew and 3 passengers - was also lost.
The conditions were described as " wind from the south east at hurricane force 12, gusting to 90 knots with seas up to 60ft high.
Due to the severity of the weather only one volunteer per family was chosen.
Both vessels were lost, and 16 people, including the eight crew members from the lifeboat, died.
Reports suggest the Solomon Browne crew kept trying to get alongside the Union Star and at least twice was washed onto the coaster's deck, however it appeared to move away under control and its last message confirmed four people had been rescued.
But still they didn't give up the attempt to save all the crew, the helicopter crew saw Solomon Browne - although only 50 yards from shore & in breaking seas - appear to turn back in another rescue attempt. But rado contact was lost and her lights disappeared a few minutes later.
One of the eight crew who lost their lives was a 'Pirate' - a former captain of our Reserves, John Blewett
Posthumous awards of gallantry were made to the coxswain, crew and station and the Queen sent a message of sympathy to the bereaved families.
RLNI Penlee Lifeboat Disaster 1981 Tribute
Tribute to the eight brave men of mousehole in cornwall who gave their lives to save others in december 1981
A powerful and moving tribute to the men and their families and the community.
Penlee Lifeboat Station
www.penleelifeboat.org.uk
Other News & Commemorative Events
30 Years May Have Passed But Loss Has Not Waned
The shock rumbled through Cornwall and beyond as the story of heroism, courage and dreadful loss reached around the world. The crew were later described by the pilot of an RNAS Culdrose Sea King search and rescue helicopter who was powerless to help as the bravest men he had ever seen.
The RNLI standard from the Solomon Browne will be on display in Truro cathedral from Monday to remember the 30th anniversary of the Penlee lifeboat disaster.
www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk
BBC On This Day
1981: Lifeboat crew missing after mission
news.bbc.co.uk
Penlee lifeboat disaster
www.youtube.com
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Phil
For us today is a mixture of birthday happiness and the sadness of losing the Solomon Browne. Mitch is engaged to the niece of one of the lifeboatmen lost that night.