Salcombe Lifeboat Disaster 1916

On October 27 1916 the Salcombe Lifeboat, the William and Emma, was launched to the aid of a stricken topsail schooner, the Western Lass. When the lifeboat was returning to Salcombe it was struck by a huge wave and capsized. 13 of the 15 members of the crew were drowned.
Presented by Adam Hart-Davis and Monty Halls