The Crew of the 'Solomon Browne' Remembered

By DC
December 21 2006

Due to the severity of the weather only one volunteer per family was chosen. The crews of both vessels were lost and some bodies were never recovered.

The Solomon Browne Remembered

Reflection & Collection For RNLI

A collection for the RNLI - one of many during the season - will take place on Saturday during the visit of Plymouth Albion
There will also be a 'Minute of Silence' before the game

This week is the 25th anniversary of the Penlee Lifeboat Disaster, a time to reflect on the events of the 19th December 1981 when the 'Solomon Browne' went to the aid of the 'Union Star'.

In hurricane-force winds the "Solomon Browne" with her crew of 8 - including Pirate John Blewett - were lost. The coaster - 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. The crews of both vessels were lost and some bodies were never recovered.

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.

Posthumous awards of gallantry were made to the coxswain, crew and station and the Queen sent a message of sympathy to the bereaved families.

The 'Soloman Browne'

This week, Pirates representatives Duncan Roke and Phil Westren visited Newlyn lifeboat station to meet the present crew, including ex players Patrick Harvey and David Pascoe.

The Current Lifeboat 'Ivan Ellen'

A collection for the RNLI - one of many during the season - will take place on Saturday during the visit of Plymouth Albion

Penlee Lifeboat Website maintained by the crew