The Longhope Lifeboat Disaster

On March 17 1969, eight lifeboat crew set out into a storm. They never returned.
Their home village of Brims in the Orkney Islands, Scotland, is so small that the loss amounted to a third of the population. Seven women were widowed and ten children left fatherless.
But the community never faltered. Volunteers immediately came forward to make up a new crew, with the full support of the bereaved families. The current Longhope lifeboat is led by Coxswain Kevin Kirkpatrick, who lost his father, uncle and grandfather in the disaster. His son and daughter also volunteer on the crew.
This film is a tribute to the remarkable people of Longhope. Their story is one of unimaginable loss, but it is also one of inspirational strength.

[@christinegordon5372]

I was 12 yes old when the Longhope Lifeboat disaster unfurled. We were devastated about the news. It was heart breaking when I realised that fathers & their sons had disappeared. I remembering hoping that someone would be found alive! The upset when we discovered that the Irene was so close to shore and the lifeboat didn't need to go out.
I remember the Queen Mother arriving by helicopter in the grounds of the hospital in Kirkwall. We lived across the road from the hospital.
We were on Hoy for the unavailing of the statue in memory of the lifeboat men.
We will remember them in Churchills words

[@rnli]

Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt memory 💙

[@ianmaciver4004]

These men were the real definition of heroes, I was only a child when this happened but still remember it like yesterday, I remember seeing the boat on the back of a truck bring taken south for repair.

[@rnli]

Thanks for your support Ian 💙

[@paulkirkpatrick6371]

So sad and it's an inspiration 2 all the folk and crew this very day Paul Kirkpatrick Belfast northern n ireland

[@thegoldeneagle9890]

All of the crews deserve huge praise for risking themselves to save others

[@susiew2521]

The bravery of those men is matched by the bravery of the women and children left behind. It must take as much courage to go out to help those in trouble in dangerous sailing conditions, as to insist the community continue to provide this service after such a cruel loss of life.
Remarkable stoicism.

[@rnli]

Very true Susie, we couldn't have put it better ourselves. 💙

[@kayechadwick7993]

I am a big lover of the RNLI I think you do an amazing job. I also think that you all are the best people to roam this land. You are all a credit to Britain and you have countless thanks from me.

[@rnli]

Thank you.

[@kayechadwick7993]

RNLI no thank you for your help on the coast and on the thames

[@cycleSCUBA]

We see that it still hurts these lads after all these years. How the widows and the community bonded even closer and got another boat and crew together is a credit to the memory of the 8 men and the RNLI as a whole. Rest in Peace, boys.

[@rnli]

Thanks for your support, absolutely it bound the community - their bravery will never be forgotten. 🧡

[@TheTelstar008]

To all our RNLI crews and stations, and all those communities who have lost brave boat crews
in the past. Just Five words, ''Respect and Thank you all''.

[@davidferry548]

The crews who have put to sea in the past and continue to do so today display a rare sense of service and selflessness sadly in short supply these days

[@OneBlueFroggy]

Amazing to hear all these old tales of the brave men (and women) who gave their all ! My deepest respect to them and sympathies to the families.

[@rnli]

Thank you for taking the time to watch the video, helping keep their memories alive 🙏

[@joejones818]

The RNLI is a amazing voulenteer charity and I will allways donate to you guys

[@rnli]

Thanks for your support Joe

[@AnEnemy100]

Thank you for talking about your lost friends and family. It cannot have been easy to do. You do them honour by remembering them.Good people all.

[@valiantsfelinesmccarty6678]

Now where did that salt water come from in my eyes? Thank you for your dedication to serve even after such an awful loss.Tjat is civilization as it waeant to be..

[@pennyroberts5135]

A very moving video, it sure bought tears to my eyes the self sacrifice from those young men doen't take thinking about

[@Fcutdlady]

May the memory of these mean ever be honoured .

[@andrewhume821]

Great video, very moving

[@denisiwaszczuk1176]

Dont say sorry . We thank you

[@rogerdonald8978]

The kirkpatrick family on the crew were my late mothers cousins and uncle

[@rnli]

We always love to hear about different family connections to our crew members, Roger ❤

[@rogerdonald8978]

Do you know there is a song by manson grant called the longhope lifeboat disaster it is on you tube

[@rnli]

Thanks Roger, we'll check it out 😊

[@robjeeves]

😢 powerful story 😢

[@rnli]

It most certainly is - very moving

[@sixsixteensevens297]

Well done RNLI.

[@morrislouiseeagle7161]

👏❤️😁Respect x

[@Inverstourie]

The lifeboat is now a exhibit in the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine.

[@rnli]

It is, Bill. You're quite right.

[@johndavies9270]

Winston Churchill once said that the existence of the RNLI and their volunteer crews were living proof that humankind is made in the image of God. How many lives have your people saved during your existence? God bless you, one and all.

[@rnli]

Hi John. We've saved around 142,700 lives to date. A great testament to the commitment and skills of our crews!

[@colintraveller]

My Grandad , Gran and Dad knew Dan .. the Skipper

[@rnli]

Oh wow Colin, that must have been so awful for them.

[@colliecandle]

Why the subtitles ? All these people are speaking perfectly good English with their Scottish accents. i find that need to subtitle quite insulting.

[@rnli]

The subtitles are there for anyone who might be hard of hearing or deaf to be able to enjoy the film.