Was the Solomon Brown ever found?
In the aftermath of the disaster, wreckage from the Solomon Browne was found along the shore, and the Union Star lay capsized onto the rocks, west of Tater Du Lighthouse. Some of the 16 bodies were recovered.
Why did Penlee lifeboat sink?
The Union Star’s fuel system had become contaminated with water, making an engine restart impossible. The coaster was drifting dangerously close to the shore, so the Coastguard called in an RNAS Sea King helicopter to rescue the crew.
How many died in 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.
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.
Was the Penlee lifeboat recovered?
Only two bodies of the lifeboat crew had been recovered – Trevelyan Richards the coxswain, and second mechanic Nigel Brockman.
What happened to the Longhope lifeboat?
A Force 9 gale, coupled with a spring tide, led to waves 60ft (18m) high. 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.
What happened to the wreck of the Union Star?
Both vessels were lost with all hands. Of the 16 lives lost, eight bodies were eventually recovered, four from the 8 crew of the lifeboat and four from the UNION STAR. Wreckage from the Solomon Browne was found along the shore, and the UNION STAR lay capsized onto the rocks west of Tater Du Lighthouse.
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.
When was the Longhope lifeboat lost?
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.
Were the bodies of the Penlee lifeboat recovered?
Where is the Penlee lifeboat based?
| Penlee Lifeboat Station | |
|---|---|
| Location | Newlyn Harbour, TR18 5HW |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 50.1039°N 5.5487°W |
| Owner | Royal National Lifeboat Institution |
Can you visit the old Penlee lifeboat station?
The lifeboat station at Penlee Point from which the Solomon Browne was launched closed soon after the disaster and although the station was maintained over the years, the gates remained locked to the public. In October 2014, the doors were opened to the public for the first time in 30 years.
How much does a Severn class lifeboat cost?
Severn-class lifeboat
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Cost | £2 million |
| Built | 1992–2005 |
| In service | 1996– |
| Completed | 46 |
What is the name of the current Penlee lifeboat?
The move to Newlyn After the loss of the Solomon Browne, the Penlee Point station remained in use until 1983 when the Mabel Alice, larger, faster Arun-class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was acquired, and a new lifeboat station constructed at Newlyn harbour, where the new lifeboat is kept afloat at a mooring.