I'm a retired London Police Officer and I remember this tragedy as a young lad of 13. My Dear old Dad actually shed tears at the news and so seeing his sadness I wept too. I will always remember those brave men of the Solomon Browne and the brave men and women of the RNLI, saving lives in the most atrocious conditions. Bravery beyond belief. I love you guys and gals.
I remember the tragedy like it was yesterday and it sends shivers down my spine even today. I am in awe of the courage shown by crew of The Solomon Browne that night, but also of those who, in the immediate aftermath enrolled to become the new crew members. Watching this film is very humbling and emotional and my upmost respect and thanks goes to all lifeboat crews, past, present and future for your service.
I’m on my 34th year as Severn class mechanic/crew on the Campbeltown lifeboat. I’ve known and admired this heroic story for decades. One of the most heroic acts of bravery and risk I’ve ever known, absolute infinite respect for these 8 bravest of the brave. I’ll forever be in there debt❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I remember it so well, I was 21 at the time and the sheer bravery and skill of those Cornishmen affected me deeply. Trevelyan Richards and the rest of the crew will always be giants among mortals. We go to Cornwall at least once a year and I always try to pay a visit to the memorial garden at the old Lifeboat Station at Penlee on the road that runs along the edge of Mounts Bay between Newlyn and Mousehole. It's well worth going to pay your respects if you're in the area. You can stand and try to imagine the courage needed to launch into the teeth of that dreadful storm.
@@rnli I remember that terrible disaster..It was unthinkable to me {as a very young and naive landlubber} that a Lifeboat and her Crew could be in Danger.. Now, Many years later, I'm aware of how uncaring the Sea is. It was on Radio 4 news tonight {4th April 2023} that the Penlee Lifeboat Station is now Grade Two Listed, so can be preserved for centuries, as it should be. What Courage was shown that night, to not turn for Home, but to still try and get the Men, Woman and Children off of Union Star.
I visited Mousehole and Penlee last week and I am from a military background, exposed to significant traumatic experiences but even though this tragic incident occurred over 21 years ago, I am profoundly respectful of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I climbed over the gate of the old station and down to the quayside and felt so in awe of these heroes. God may have mercy on your souls. RESPECT!
im former search and rescue, and watching this hits home very very hard, no matter what volunteer emergency service your in, we all step up because we care. utmost respect to those that perished, there families, friends colleagues and entire RNLI community. Funny story- visit to Blackpool in a shop, pagers go off and myself, my brother and about 5 others all go for our pagers, we all looked at each other and when we realized it was ours and just an admin message we all laughed, then had a good chat- fire, mountain rescue RNLI and red cross- safest place in the uk :P
Can't believe it's 40years ago. I joined the crew of our local lifeboat station in 1980 and when this happened it was such a shock to all the stations. So so sad for all the family's and they will never be forgotten 🙄
@@rnli Hi. I was at Penarth from 1980 to 2000. I remember the next day when the news broke and was really shocked. Still think if the tow had been agreed it would have ended differently. But felt sorry for all the family's but it's nice to know they will always be remembered. Take care and keep up the good work 👍
@@mandydandy3738 Really don't like the sound of your comments Mandy. The RNLI. have and always will save a life regardless who they are or from whatever country they from. You need to put yourself in their position and ask yourself what you would do for your family. If you can't say anything nice please don't say anything 👍
Wow beautifully told by surviving family members ❤ I only came across this event a few years ago (Too young to know!) and the heroic acts carried out that night blow my mind. The fact 12 men responded to the call but Mr Richards on selected 8 just goes to show the dedication and commitment of these volunteer crews including the launch & shore crews who also put themselves at risk that fateful night. God rest those who did not come home
I can still Remember it being on the News.. I live the middle of the country But it was a shock total heroes All of them .. I have alot of Respect for the crew's who do this job ..God bless the crew of the penlee lifeboat..
Hi Terry! It was a shocking and very difficult situation for everyone. To mark the 40th anniversary of the disaster, we have opened an online Book of Remembrance, you are invited to add your message. The Book is a place to commemorate the courage shown that night, to share sympathies with a community still grieving and to celebrate the 16 lives lost. Share a message or sign the Book rnli.social/3q1KO8O
Within 24 hours they had enough volunteers to man a replacement boat Now THAT shows you the calibre of the people involved plus they don’t get paid. Respect for these people is immense 👍👍👍👍
Some of the later crew members lost relatives that night. Totally understandable if they didn't want to continue the family tradition but their decision to serve speaks volumes about them.
I was 10 miles away from this desaster, on the merchant ship ms condor.. She was a mini bulk cargo ship the same size as the union star. We were just coming around the coast of Cornwall on the way to swansea, i have never been so afraid for my life, and at 21 yrs old it was an experience i would never forget. We didnt know the full extent of the desater, as we struggled throught this storm.. I remember looking out from the bridge when everything went jet black, that was a wave as the ship was lifted up and crashed down time after time.. The next day was relatively calm as we sailed back to rotterdamn where we moored alongside the sister ship union mars, such a sad few hours toasting the crew of the union star and the brave brave crew of the soloman browne, god rest there souls.. X
You brave man! Hats off to you and all others like you. Must have been horrendous. Other witness have commented that the wind was whistling that night it was so severe… Does a storm like that catch everyone off guard? Or is it a case of carrying on as most ships are designed to handle it? Always wondered…
@@MrTompahallam My understanding is that the Union Star's fuel was contaminated with water and the engines failed. Given the storm was blowing from the South West and the rocks were to their North, it was what seamen call a 'lee shore', the most dangerous of situations in which to encounter a loss of power. They would most likely would have weathered the storm if the engines hadn't given up. Of course there was the question of why the Master didn't accept a tow earlier when there was still time. There are rumours still circulating in the area which I won't repeat here out of respect for him, his family and crew.
Same here. Some of the contributors on here featured in the broadcast. The most powerful part for me was the coastguard trying to get radio contact with the lifeboat, and the silence that followed.
Agreed..The Sea is completely unfeeling. As a young child, I trusted the Sea, didn't think it could be so wild and capricious. But it is an element that changes so dramatically, and is so powerful. Well done, RNLI for keeping so many safe around our Shores.🙏
Courage, skill and determination in the face of terrifying sea conditions most could scarcely imagine. These eight men were of the finest and will go down in history as heroes.
Mere words aren't enough. I was a firefighter for 32 years, and once had a lifeboat coxswain, in Anglesey, tell me he wouldn't do my job for a gold clock! When I reciprocated the comment to him, he just chuckled and said, "But like you, it's just what we do!". I still don't think he was right! Massive respect to all past and present crews. RIP those lost.
I LIVE IN CROMER NORTH NORFOLK AND IVE CHATTED TO SOME OF OUR CREW HERE ABOUT THE PENLEE TRAGEDY. SO INCREDIBLY BRAVE SO SAD AND THAT BLOODY CREEPY SHED THAT HOUSED THE BOAT THAT IS AN EERIE SIGHT REST IN PEACE BRAVE BRAVE MEN ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ THE SOLOMON BROWNE 🩵💚💛🧡❤️
Be it a summers day getting some one who is stuck on a rock or plunging into the teeth of a winters full gale.. “ they shout ….we go” it will never change its the RNLI… It’s in the blood. Its not training, Its not experience its inbuilt desire to save …..to go and help nothing more and never less. A silent moment of reflection to all, past, present and future RNLI people..
Always remembered, we will never forget your brave, courageous, heroic bravery in 1981.God bless the Penlee crew who gave their lives on that sad night.
IV worked in afew kinds of work, farming, construction and commercial diving. One huge thing I picked up on..... Anything marine, everyone is out on sea to make s living but when things go wrong.......no matter the cost everyone who can do something will do it. It's something IV never experienced before but I know what and how the lost were thinking. Hats off to the chaps that gave everything to save others.
@@rnli I do too, if I'm around the coast anywhere I do take every possible precisions. I know it's not perfect but least it hopefully saves you chaps been called out. Total respect for you boys and what you do.
Very sad and poignant listening 2 this still aft all the years that have gone by since tragedy very brave men 2 sacrifice there own lives / 2 try save others in peril at sea 😢Belfast northern ireland
Message for Jo Payne - Your Dad was great fun, I was just 15 at the time, but in the October I'd danced with your Dad at the ''Licensees Booze-Up'' He swung me around like a rag-doll and I laughed for hours! - My Dad was senior representative from Bristol. I never forgot and never will.... All 3 of my Kids know about it and they are now teaching my Grandkids!
I can't believe it's 40 years since the Penlee disaster, so very sad. My heart goes out to all Lifeboat crews at this time of year for their selfless dedication to save lives at sea. ❤
I too cznt believe 40 years have passed. I was staying at Porthchapel during that fateful day. It was a very strong wind, the sort you cant stand up against. The waves too were like houses. Those brave men who paid the ultimate sacrifice to help others . They stand for the cornerstones of humanity itself. We remember them and the families and friends left behind. I will never forget.
The captain of the merchant ship is to blame, he was offered a tow by a tug when his engines seized up 8 miles offshore, but refused it because his shipping company would have had to pay for the tow, duh.. Since then the rules have been changed to allow the coastguard to order a tow regardless of whether the captains want one or not.
Penlee lifeboat is responsible for the sea in the Penwith area of south Cornwall, generally between Penzance and Land's End. In December 1981 much of Britain had terrrible snow but not so much in Cornwall.
Such a heart rending story which I remember well as I was in the Merchant Navy UK coasting at the time. But.....I had to stop watching after six and a half minutes in as I couldn't take any more of the four note repetitive and unnecessary "music". Please make it go away.
I'm a retired London Police Officer and I remember this tragedy as a young lad of 13. My Dear old Dad actually shed tears at the news and so seeing his sadness I wept too. I will always remember those brave men of the Solomon Browne and the brave men and women of the RNLI, saving lives in the most atrocious conditions. Bravery beyond belief. I love you guys and gals.
Bravery beyond belief, sums up this crew (and all crews) perfectly Keith 😢
I remember the tragedy like it was yesterday and it sends shivers down my spine even today.
I am in awe of the courage shown by crew of The Solomon Browne that night, but also of those who, in the immediate aftermath enrolled to become the new crew members.
Watching this film is very humbling and emotional and my upmost respect and thanks goes to all lifeboat crews, past, present and future for your service.
They will never be forgotten absolute heroes ❤
I’m on my 34th year as Severn class mechanic/crew on the Campbeltown lifeboat. I’ve known and admired this heroic story for decades. One of the most heroic acts of bravery and risk I’ve ever known, absolute infinite respect for these 8 bravest of the brave. I’ll forever be in there debt❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for everything you do to save lives at sea, David 💙
I remember it so well, I was 21 at the time and the sheer bravery and skill of those Cornishmen affected me deeply. Trevelyan Richards and the rest of the crew will always be giants among mortals. We go to Cornwall at least once a year and I always try to pay a visit to the memorial garden at the old Lifeboat Station at Penlee on the road that runs along the edge of Mounts Bay between Newlyn and Mousehole. It's well worth going to pay your respects if you're in the area. You can stand and try to imagine the courage needed to launch into the teeth of that dreadful storm.
Thank you for paying your respects, Rob.
@@rnli I remember that terrible disaster..It was unthinkable to me {as a very young and naive landlubber} that a Lifeboat and her Crew could be in Danger..
Now, Many years later, I'm aware of how uncaring the Sea is.
It was on Radio 4 news tonight {4th April 2023} that the Penlee Lifeboat Station is now Grade Two Listed, so can be preserved for centuries, as it should be.
What Courage was shown that night, to not turn for Home, but to still try and get the Men, Woman and Children off of Union Star.
I visited Mousehole and Penlee last week and I am from a military background, exposed to significant traumatic experiences but even though this tragic incident occurred over 21 years ago, I am profoundly respectful of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I climbed over the gate of the old station and down to the quayside and felt so in awe of these heroes. God may have mercy on your souls. RESPECT!
41 years ago...
Those souls lost at Sea need no Mercy, that is for the condemned.
Those souls are blessed. The rescuers, multiply so.
God bless and keep the crew of the Solomon Brown, the people they fought to save and the families they left behind. Never forget.
They all have my total respect for the bravery they showed on that night. They must never be forgotten.
Couldn't agree more, Andy. Thank you 💙
What happened that night won't be forgotten.whether it's cruel sea, empty shoes or the book loss of a lifeboat no one will forget
im former search and rescue, and watching this hits home very very hard, no matter what volunteer emergency service your in, we all step up because we care. utmost respect to those that perished, there families, friends colleagues and entire RNLI community. Funny story- visit to Blackpool in a shop, pagers go off and myself, my brother and about 5 others all go for our pagers, we all looked at each other and when we realized it was ours and just an admin message we all laughed, then had a good chat- fire, mountain rescue RNLI and red cross- safest place in the uk :P
Thank you for sharing this 💙
Such brave souls. The best of the best. RIP x
Thank you 💙
Can't believe it's 40years ago. I joined the crew of our local lifeboat station in 1980 and when this happened it was such a shock to all the stations. So so sad for all the family's and they will never be forgotten 🙄
Which station are you based at Richard? Thanks for your service.
@@rnli Hi. I was at Penarth from 1980 to 2000.
I remember the next day when the news broke and was really shocked. Still think if the tow had been agreed it would have ended differently. But felt sorry for all the family's but it's nice to know they will always be remembered.
Take care and keep up the good work 👍
Richard, they absolutely will be.
@@mandydandy3738 Really don't like the sound of your comments Mandy. The RNLI. have and always will save a life regardless who they are or from whatever country they from.
You need to put yourself in their position and ask yourself what you would do for your family. If you can't say anything nice please don't say anything 👍
The bravest of the brave rest in peace the crew of the Solomon browne
RIP 💙
And both the Union Star and the Mark.
RIP all mariners lost.
Wow beautifully told by surviving family members ❤ I only came across this event a few years ago (Too young to know!) and the heroic acts carried out that night blow my mind. The fact 12 men responded to the call but Mr Richards on selected 8 just goes to show the dedication and commitment of these volunteer crews including the launch & shore crews who also put themselves at risk that fateful night. God rest those who did not come home
Thank you for your kind words for our crews, Steven. We will never forget their bravery and dedication to saving lives at sea 💙
@@rnli 💙
Fantastic video thanks for sharing ❤️ Rip to the 16 lives lost on that fateful night
I can still Remember it being on the News.. I live the middle of the country But it was a shock total heroes All of them .. I have alot of Respect for the crew's who do this job ..God bless the crew of the penlee lifeboat..
Hi Terry! It was a shocking and very difficult situation for everyone. To mark the 40th anniversary of the disaster, we have opened an online Book of Remembrance, you are invited to add your message. The Book is a place to commemorate the courage shown that night, to share sympathies with a community still grieving and to celebrate the 16 lives lost.
Share a message or sign the Book rnli.social/3q1KO8O
Within 24 hours they had enough volunteers to man a replacement boat
Now THAT shows you the calibre of the people involved plus they don’t get paid.
Respect for these people is immense 👍👍👍👍
Some of the later crew members lost relatives that night. Totally understandable if they didn't want to continue the family tradition but their decision to serve speaks volumes about them.
I was 10 miles away from this desaster, on the merchant ship ms condor.. She was a mini bulk cargo ship the same size as the union star. We were just coming around the coast of Cornwall on the way to swansea, i have never been so afraid for my life, and at 21 yrs old it was an experience i would never forget. We didnt know the full extent of the desater, as we struggled throught this storm.. I remember looking out from the bridge when everything went jet black, that was a wave as the ship was lifted up and crashed down time after time.. The next day was relatively calm as we sailed back to rotterdamn where we moored alongside the sister ship union mars, such a sad few hours toasting the crew of the union star and the brave brave crew of the soloman browne, god rest there souls.. X
You brave man! Hats off to you and all others like you. Must have been horrendous. Other witness have commented that the wind was whistling that night it was so severe…
Does a storm like that catch everyone off guard? Or is it a case of carrying on as most ships are designed to handle it? Always wondered…
@@MrTompahallam My understanding is that the Union Star's fuel was contaminated with water and the engines failed. Given the storm was blowing from the South West and the rocks were to their North, it was what seamen call a 'lee shore', the most dangerous of situations in which to encounter a loss of power. They would most likely would have weathered the storm if the engines hadn't given up. Of course there was the question of why the Master didn't accept a tow earlier when there was still time. There are rumours still circulating in the area which I won't repeat here out of respect for him, his family and crew.
Just listened to your radio 4 broadcast bless them all !!!!! the sea has such a dark soul and takes to many .
Same here. Some of the contributors on here featured in the broadcast. The most powerful part for me was the coastguard trying to get radio contact with the lifeboat, and the silence that followed.
Bless them all 💙
Agreed..The Sea is completely unfeeling. As a young child, I trusted the Sea, didn't think it could be so wild and capricious. But it is an element that changes so dramatically, and is so powerful.
Well done, RNLI for keeping so many safe around our Shores.🙏
Courage, skill and determination in the face of terrifying sea conditions most could scarcely imagine. These eight men were of the finest and will go down in history as heroes.
Thank you Peter, powerful words. If you would like to share a tribute with Penlee, the Book of Remembrance is online here: rnli.social/3mnBrho
Mere words aren't enough. I was a firefighter for 32 years, and once had a lifeboat coxswain, in Anglesey, tell me he wouldn't do my job for a gold clock! When I reciprocated the comment to him, he just chuckled and said, "But like you, it's just what we do!". I still don't think he was right! Massive respect to all past and present crews. RIP those lost.
Thank you Ste 💙
All crews of the future as well
I LIVE IN CROMER NORTH NORFOLK AND IVE CHATTED TO SOME OF OUR CREW HERE ABOUT THE PENLEE TRAGEDY. SO INCREDIBLY BRAVE SO SAD AND THAT BLOODY CREEPY SHED THAT HOUSED THE BOAT THAT IS AN EERIE SIGHT REST IN PEACE BRAVE BRAVE MEN ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ THE SOLOMON BROWNE 🩵💚💛🧡❤️
Be it a summers day getting some one who is stuck on a rock or plunging into the teeth of a winters full gale.. “ they shout ….we go”
it will never change its the RNLI… It’s in the blood. Its not training, Its not experience its inbuilt desire to save …..to go and help nothing more and never less.
A silent moment of reflection to all, past, present and future RNLI people..
Always remembered, we will never forget your brave, courageous, heroic bravery in 1981.God bless the Penlee crew who gave their lives on that sad night.
Massive respect to every lifeboat crew member past and present.
Thank you Cody for your lovely words & support 💛
Prayers for their families and fellow members. God bless you all 💪🏽🙏💖
💛
"He who would true valour see, let him come hither". Absent friends but never forgotten.
Never forgotten 💙
The word hero is over used but in this case the crew were incredibly brave and heroic .. 40yrs on ... RIP
Thank you for your kind words - if you would like to share them in our Book of Remembrance for Penlee, you would be very welcome rnli.social/3FfDE66
Such a moving video.
R.I.P the lost 16.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
IV worked in afew kinds of work, farming, construction and commercial diving.
One huge thing I picked up on.....
Anything marine, everyone is out on sea to make s living but when things go wrong.......no matter the cost everyone who can do something will do it.
It's something IV never experienced before but I know what and how the lost were thinking.
Hats off to the chaps that gave everything to save others.
Thanks Marc, we hope you never do need us
@@rnli I do too, if I'm around the coast anywhere I do take every possible precisions.
I know it's not perfect but least it hopefully saves you chaps been called out.
Total respect for you boys and what you do.
Very sad and poignant listening 2 this still aft all the years that have gone by since tragedy very brave men 2 sacrifice there own lives / 2 try save others in peril at sea 😢Belfast northern ireland
We will never forget them 💙
Life goes on
Message for Jo Payne - Your Dad was great fun, I was just 15 at the time, but in the October I'd danced with your Dad at the ''Licensees Booze-Up'' He swung me around like a rag-doll and I laughed for hours! - My Dad was senior representative from Bristol. I never forgot and never will.... All 3 of my Kids know about it and they are now teaching my Grandkids!
Really feel for the relatives, such a loss.
R.n.l.i is the besttttttttt.
Thank you 😊
I can't believe it's 40 years since the Penlee disaster, so very sad.
My heart goes out to all Lifeboat crews at this time of year for their selfless dedication to save lives at sea. ❤
Mary, thank you for your lovely message and support 💛
I too cznt believe 40 years have passed. I was staying at Porthchapel during that fateful day. It was a very strong wind, the sort you cant stand up against. The waves too were like houses.
Those brave men who paid the ultimate sacrifice to help others . They stand for the cornerstones of humanity itself. We remember them and the families and friends left behind. I will never forget.
Thanks for sharing your memories, as you say the wind alone was so strong. If you'd like to sign our Remembrance Book, please do: rnli.social/3yHLkM3
So sad
So heartbreaking
rest in peace guys .. real heroes x x x
Selfless heroes
The captain of the merchant ship is to blame, he was offered a tow by a tug when his engines seized up 8 miles offshore, but refused it because his shipping company would have had to pay for the tow, duh..
Since then the rules have been changed to allow the coastguard to order a tow regardless of whether the captains want one or not.
Bravest of the brave ! RIP ❤️
:( Sad
Gone but never forgotten
Absolutely. If you'd like to sign our Remembrance Book, please do: rnli.social/3H2NV6d
RIP
I wrote a comment about these hero’s and their sacrifice but it’s been removed .. does anyone know why ?
Peter, it shouldn't have been as we do not remove comments
My reply disappeared too??
R I P
💙
Penlee lifeboat is responsible for the sea in the Penwith area of south Cornwall, generally between Penzance and Land's End. In December 1981 much of Britain had terrrible snow but not so much in Cornwall.
Such a heart rending story which I remember well as I was in the Merchant Navy UK coasting at the time. But.....I had to stop watching after six and a half minutes in as I couldn't take any more of the four note repetitive and unnecessary "music". Please make it go away.
Colin, thanks for your feedback on the music which we will pass on.