Longhope RNLI commemorate 55th anniversary of the Longhope lifeboat disaster

On the evening of Monday 17 March 1969, amidst relentless storms pounding the Scottish Coast, the Longhope Lifeboat launched to aid the Liberian vessel ‘Irene’ which was drifting perilously close to the rocky shoreline. Battling severe weather—rough seas, heavy swell, poor visibility, and driving rain and snow—the eight volunteer crew members from Longhope bravely ventured out into the storm, leaving anxious families behind. Despite the valiant efforts of the crew, they were unable to reach the Irene due to the ferocious sea conditions.

By 10pm, it was clear the conditions made reaching the Irene impossible. The Kirkwall Coastguard tasked Wick radio to contact the TGB, but all attempts to reach them failed. The last sighting was reported by the lighthouse keeper at the Pentland Skerries at 9:35pm, who caught a glimpse of the TGB’s stern light.

The Irene ran aground near Grimness and by 1:30am on 18 March 1969, all aboard were safely ashore, and the focus of the mission turned to the search for the missing lifeboat. At 1:40pm on 18 March 1969, RNLB TGB was found by the Thurso volunteer lifeboat crew. Tragically, the lifeboat had capsized leading to the loss of all eight crew members.

The disaster devastated the close-knit community of Longhope and sent shockwaves throughout the United Kingdom. It highlighted the immense dangers faced by those involved in maritime rescue operations, particularly in treacherous weather conditions.

In the aftermath of the disaster, there was a significant outpouring of support for the families of the lost crew members, and the event sparked discussions about improving

safety measures for lifeboat crews. The Longhope Lifeboat Disaster serves as a sombre reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who volunteer to risk their lives to save others at sea.

This morning Longhope’s volunteer crew members paid their respects by laying a wreath at the point where the TGB was last seen. The wreath was cast into the sea by Retired Coxswain Kevin Kirkpatrick who himself lost family members in the disaster. Kevin said, ‘This is a difficult time of year for so many in our community who continue to mourn the loss of those eight brave men, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Robert Rattray Johnston, James Johnston, Daniel Raymond Kirkpatrick, James Swanson, Robert Johnston, John Thomas Kirkpatrick and Eric McFadyen, who selflessly gave their lives at sea on that tragic day. They didn't think twice about rushing into danger themselves to help others. They tackled the brutal seas of the Pentland Firth head-on, showing incredible courage and a real dedication to saving lives at sea. It's important that we keep their memory alive. I’m sure they would have been so proud to witness the support of our community and the ongoing commitment of the volunteer RNLI service here in Longhope, who continue to bravely serve our coastal waters.’

Sunset and evening star,

And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar,

When I put out to sea.

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,

Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep

Turns again home!

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell,

When I embark.

For though from out our bourn of Time and Place

The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crossed the bar.”

(Alfred Lord Tennyson 1889)

Notes to editors

· Longhope lifeboat station has been operating since 1874 and celebrates its 150^th anniversary in 2024. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Longhope Lifeboat Station (rnli.org)

RNLI media contacts

Vicky Mackinnon, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07703 688066, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Tom McGuire, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland and Ireland, 00353 87 476 4436, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.