Penlee lifeboat disaster to be remembered (From This is The West Country)

Penlee lifeboat disaster to be remembered

8:40am Friday 16th December 2011 in Cornwall

The RNLI standard from the Solomon Browne will be on display in Truro cathedral from Monday to remember the 30th anniversary of the Penlee lifeboat disaster.

The lifeboat sank in stormy conditions when attempting to rescue the crew of the Union Star, after the coaster’s engines failed.

Both vessels were lost, and 16 people, including the eight crew members from the lifeboat, died.

In 1985 a flagstaff made from the wreckage of the Solomon Browne, and her flag, were presented to the Dean and Chapter of Truro Cathedral as a permanent memorial to the disaster.

It was handed over in appreciation of the support given by the then Bishop and the Cathedral staff at the time of the great tragedy.

For the period between now and the New Year the standard has been temporarily moved, from its permanent position, to the Jesus Chapel.

For the date of the anniversary (the 19th) it will be moved to a prominent position on the Podium, in the centre of the Cathedral, and will be flanked by candles.

A display board telling the story of the tragedy, a stand for lighting memorial candles, and an information panel where people can write their thoughts and prayers will be set up around the standard.

There will also be a place where people can give towards the work of the RNLI.

Brief prayers will be said on the hour from 10am until 4pm when the names of those who lost their lives will be read out and remembered.