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RNLI Penlee Lifeboat
The RNLI Penlee lifeboat, Ivan Ellen, is now moored in Newlyn Harbour. In 1981 the Penlee lifeboat Solomon Browne was lost when it went to the aid of the Union Star. Winds were at hurricane force gusting to 90 mph and the seas were reaching 60ft high. All eight crewman were lost – many came from the nearby village of Mousehole. The crew of the Union Star was also lost. Reports suggest the Solomon Browne kept moving alongside the Union Star and twice it was thrown on the coaster's deck, and on another occasion slammed into its side. The Solomon Browne appeared to move away under control and its last message confirmed four people had been rescued. A helicopter crew saw the Solomon Browne, only 50 yards off shore, apparently turn back perhaps in another rescue bid. There was no further radio contact with the lifeboat and her lights disappeared 10 minutes later. Posthumous awards of gallantry were made to the coxswain, crew and station.
The Royal National Lifeboat
Institution is a charity and all the crews and support staff are
volunteers. The RNLI has 233 lifeboat stations in the UK and the
Republic of Ireland
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