Penlee Disaster on BBC1

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spynappels

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Did anyone catch the documentary about the Penlee disaster last night? Moving stuff, really made me appreciate the dedication and bravery of the RNLI. The part where the lifeboat suddenly went off air halfway through a transmission and then the repeated calling by Falmouth Coastguard without a reply just left me feeling a bit hollow, even with knowing it was going to happen. Thoughts will be with the families with the 25th anniversary coming up.

When my RNLI membership dues come up again, I'll not even have to think twice about renewing, even though I've never needed their help (yet).


Stefan
 
Yes, an excellent documentary, it was quite chilling to hear the calm clear exchanges over the VHF knowing that it ws all going to end so tragically. It certainly made me resolve to keep up my RNLI subs.

There was a good bit of heavy weather footage and dour scottishness on earlier, the trawler thing on bbc1, on again tonight and worth watching too.
 
There's a little more to the story, that was not included (not, in any way to detract from what was told). The Lizard and Sennen lifeboats were also called out. Sennen couldn't get past Lands End due to the sea and had to return. Lizard went to assist, eventually taking part in the fruitless search for survivors. They then put into Newlyn (rather than struggle home), where they were mistaken by some for the Solomon Browne, returning - the disapointment cannot be imagined.
 
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The Lizard and Sennen lifeboats were also called out.

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So was the Scilly Isle boat.

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Yes, sorry I forgot about that one.

Not speaking from "first hand", but have several friends involved in Lizard lifeboat, including some who were in the crew that night.
 
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