30 Years since the Penlee Tragedy. R.I.P

[DTCwordfan]

A sober thought this festive season and the Xmas lights are turned out in Mousehole tonight in memoriam.

http://en.wikipedia.o...lee_lifeboat_disaster

I had just got back here from overseas for Christmas and the family went out for a pub supper - the weather near Truro was appalling, one of the worst storms I have seen down here. We were pretty stupid to be out actually, but the good food and warmth of the Wheel at Tresillian beckoned.

Just give a thought this Season to all that protect us year around, the Police, Fire Brigade, Ambulance services, but not forgetting the RNLI, Mountain Rescue and many others.

They need our support, both financially and in spirit.

[douglas9401]

Indeed!

[askyourgran]

A sobering though DTC, the RNLI is a worthy cause to support, and I always give a thought to the Salvation Army at this time of year too.

[marval]

It seems hard to believe it was 30 years ago. I will be thinking of them.

[maggiebee]

I've always had the greatest respect for lifeboat crews. The Mona from Broughty Ferry, Dundee was lost with all hands in December 1959 while going to the aid of the North Carr Lightship which was reported adrift. As The Mona was struggling to reach the North Carr, the Lightship's crew of six were able to drop their spare anchor. They were all rescued alive and well by a helicopter the next morning, 24 hours after the first call for help had gone out. Brave, brave men.

[seadogg]

We cast a wreath into to sea to remember our tragedies, more than one alas.

[welshlibranr]

Oh! 30 years ago!...doesn't seem that long ago!.......my son is a fireman, so know how hard life can be for them all!......bless them!........They are wonderful folk!......where would we be without them!........

[DTCwordfan]

.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDjwUzUnNpU

[DTCwordfan]

And I am not religious. This is one of the more powerful hymns that has been written.

[grasscarp]

just re read the story of that night. 60 feet waves - you just cannot imagine trying to operate a rescue in those circumstances. Brave people all of them.

[giveup]

Also whats left of The Merchant Navy.

[welshlibranr]

we have RNLI here, we have really bad seas! second fastest tides in the world!.......but if anyone is in any trouble they are there!.........

[seadogg]

Fortunately the most modern All Weather Boats, from the new Tamar to the Mersey classes are able to keep out of trouble but the lads in the inshore inflatables can be caught out. The trouble is the sheer cost of a launch these days, our ALB can cost £2k a throw.

[DTCwordfan]

that one WelshL triggers thoughts of the Helicopter services of the RAF....Culdrose here, Anglesey and many others....

[paddywak]

One of my fellow sparkies at the pit came from Mousehole and he knew everybody on the Solomon Browne, he'd gone to school with some of them and to say he was devastated is an understatement. I've spent a lot of time on fishing boats and know many men (and now women) who crew the boats and have the utmost respect for them. The RNLI is the only large charity I donate to on a regular basis.

[Ann]

It doesn't seem 30 years ago, we remember it so well, a very sad time for the pretty fishing village of Mousehole. We visited it two years ago and read all about the families and the tragedy, it seems there was scarcely one family who wasn't connected in some way to those who lost their lives. We should say a prayer for all those venturing out on rough seas, that God will protect them, as in the hymn quoted above by DT and be truly thankful when our loved ones are tucked up safely in their beds..

[shaneystar2]

Not far from me is the memorial to the men who never turned back .
http://en.wikipedia.o...ter_Lifeboat_Disaster

Lifeboats are very important in my neck of the woods on the most easterly point in the country yet the Government in their wisdom have cut the coast guard services and ours will be gone soon to be handled from Humberside with the loss of local jobs and knowledge .
Great support fom the Government eh ?

[seadogg]

They have been cutting c/g a long time shaney. One day they will be running it all from one unit like Poole. Meanwhile the helicopter service is under threat of course. That is great backup up here and guess for you in E.Anglia too.

[HowardKennitby]

BBC4 tonight at 10:00 pm