Memorial unveiled to those who died in Cornish lifeboat disaster
It was commissioned to mark the 40th anniversary of the Penlee tragedy
Last updated 26th Sep 2022
A memorial has been unveiled to commemorate Cornwall's Penlee Lifeboat disaster, in which 16 people died at sea.
Last year marked 40 years since the Solomon Browne rushed to help stricken coaster, Union Star, in hurricane-force winds. All those on board both vessels lost their lives.
After several attempts to get alongside the coaster, the lifeboat crew managed to rescue four of the eight people onboard but, when making a final heroic rescue attempt, all radio contact was lost.
The disaster was the last time the RNLI lost an entire crew in action.
A granite memorial was unveiled on Saturday 24th September, overlooking the stretch of sea where the tragedy took place.
The memorial was commissioned by the families of the eight Penlee Lifeboat crew and the five crew and three passengers of the coaster Union Star to mark the 40th anniversary of the disaster. They successfully fundraised for the £26,000 needed.
However, the installation was delayed due to bird nesting restrictions and the stone was craned in place on Friday 8th September.
Martin Brockman, who lost his dad Nigel in the disaster, says: "We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity of the community, businesses and individuals who have donated what they can towards the memorial.
"This is the first memorial that commemorates all of the 16 lives lost in the tragedy when the volunteer crew of the Penlee RNLI Lifeboat, the Solomon Browne, attempted to rescue those on board the Union star.
"As families we are united in our shared tragedy and this memorial stone, at the site of our loved ones resting place, will be a special place of quiet reflection for us all but also for others and to ensure their memory live on".
The memorial is situated on National Trust owned and managed land on Tregiffian Cliff, near Tater Du Lighthouse.
It can only be reached on foot along the coastal path from either Lamorna or St Loy/Penberth.
A 3D visionary scan of the memorial, offered by Ocean3D, will be available soon.