Penlee: 40th anniversary of lifeboat disaster

On 19 December 1981 the Penlee lifeboat launched to aid the troubled Union Star, in one of our most challenging rescues ever attempted. Despite a successful initial rescue, the crew were all lost alongside passengers of the Union Star. 16 people died, the 8 crew members of the Solomon Browne and 8 passengers.

To mark the 40th anniversary of the disaster, we have opened an online Book of Remembrance. 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 👉 http://rnli.org/penlee40book

In January, the opportunity to sign the Book will close. It’ll be printed and put on display at the Penlee RNLI Visitor Centre at the Lifeboat Station in Newlyn Harbour as a lasting memorial and thank you to those who were lost.

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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland are ready to launch to help those in need. Whether you're stuck on a sinking ship, cut off by a rapidly rising tide, or in the water and close to drowning, RNLI crew members will drop everything to come to your rescue. 95% of RNLI lifeboat crews and station staff are volunteers.

But it’s not just lifeboats. RNLI lifeguards patrol 248 beaches across the UK and Channel Islands, keeping people safe, providing safety advice and rescuing those in trouble. Education volunteers visit schools and swimming clubs to help teach the next generation how to enjoy the water safely. And volunteer fundraisers and shop workers give up their time to generate vital funds. The RNLI is also working to help communities around the world that are most at risk of drowning.

If you spot someone in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

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Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney of West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ