Were the bodies of the Penlee lifeboat recovered?
Only two bodies of the lifeboat crew had been recovered – Trevelyan Richards the coxswain, and second mechanic Nigel Brockman.
What happened to the Solomon Browne?
On 19 December 1981, the crew of the Penlee lifeboat Solomon Browne were lost attempting to rescue the crew and passengers onboard a stricken coaster.
Who is Solomon Browne?
Solomon Browne was one of 13 RNLI lifeboats to take part in the rescue operation. Fifteen sailors drowned, and 136 were rescued, including those onboard the yacht Gan, who were brought to shore by Penlee lifeboat crew.
Can you still see the wreck of the Union Star?
The remains of the wreck of the Union Star are visible at low tide. Access from Lamorna (2km). Walk west along the coast path past the light house and past the lone house beyond. As the path descends about 75m further on, a path diverges leftwards along a hidden wall.
What happened to the wreck of the Union Star?
Both vessels were lost with all hands. Of the 16 lives lost, eight bodies were eventually recovered, four from the 8 crew of the lifeboat and four from the UNION STAR. Wreckage from the Solomon Browne was found along the shore, and the UNION STAR lay capsized onto the rocks west of Tater Du Lighthouse.
Was the Solomon Brown ever found?
In the aftermath of the disaster, wreckage from the Solomon Browne was found along the shore, and the Union Star lay capsized onto the rocks, west of Tater Du Lighthouse. Some, but not all, of the 16 bodies were eventually recovered.
How many died in the penlee?
16 people
The tragedy at sea saw 16 people lose their lives on 19 December 1981. The eight crew of the Solomon Browne lifeboat, based near Penzance, perished when called out to help the stricken cargo vessel Union Star, whose entire crew and on-board passengers also died.
What happened to the Longhope lifeboat?
A Force 9 gale, coupled with a spring tide, led to waves 60ft (18m) high. The lifeboat is believed to have been overturned by a freak wave, possibly 100ft (30.5m) high. The lifeboat was found at 13.40 the following day by Thurso’s lifeboat. No-one on board survived.
Where did Solomon Brown sink?
Penlee lifeboat disaster
| Date | 19 December 1981 (evening) |
| Location | Mount’s Bay, Cornwall, England |
| Coordinates | 50.0523°N 5.5774°W |
| Casualties | |
|---|---|
| 8 Solomon Browne lifeboat crew lost |
Can RNLI lifeboats capsize?
In wild winds and stormy seas, volunteer crews depend on their lifeboats to keep them safe while out on a rescue – even if it turns upside down. Many lifeboats in the RNLI’s fleet can bring themselves the right way up if the powerful elements cause them to capsize.