Wreath laid in remembrance of tragedy

On 7 May, 1984 the fishing coble Carol Sandra and the sea angling vessel North Wind capsized off Flamborough head resulting in the loss of seven lives.

On that day Flamborough RNLI lifeboat Will and Fanny Kirby launched from station at North Landing following reports of the bow of a boat sticking out of the water at a place known locally as Breil Flats. On reaching the area the crew found wreckage in the water. Lifeboats from Bridlington and Filey joined in the search for survivors as did several other vessels in the area including the fishing vessel North Wind which was on a sea angling trip with a group of friends from Doncaster. Whilst searching for the casualties of the Carol Sandra, the North Wind was hit by a large wave washing five anglers overboard and as the skipper manoeuvred the boat to pick up the casualties, it was capsized by another large wave.

Seven lives were lost that day. On the Carol Sandra, Guy B. Brigham, Peter G. Brigham, Robert G. Gray and Barrie J. Shilton. On the North Wind, David A. Bunting, Stephen W. Burton and Brian C. Priestley.

On Sunday morning Flamborough RNLI lifeboat Elizabeth Jane Palmer, with volunteer crew, launched from station at South Landing and headed towards Breil Flats where a wreath was lain in memory of the seven lives lost on 7 May 1984.

Helmsman Scott Vardy who laid the wreath said: 'The sea conditions were flat and calm today, unlike the situation four decades ago.'

Mr Vardy commented: 'We’re a small village community and the events of that day will remain close to our hearts for a long time.'

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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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