In 1881, two notable wrecks occurred around Whitby. One was a heartbreaking tragedy, and the other was one of the most famous rescues in Lifeboat history.
In January 1881, the Scarborough Mercury and the Whitby Gazette were full of news of terrible, destructive storms. A hurricane ripping through London caused over 2 million pounds of damage. 100 barges were destroyed, and at Yarmouth, seven ships went ashore, losing 50 lives; six were lifeboatmen. The train system was disrupted, and timetables were sent into utter chaos. Even Southend Pier was blown away. Here is the unbelievable true story of a lifeboat rescue in Robin Hood’s Bay and a heartbreaking tragedy.
The events of January 15th, 1881
On January 15th, 1881, there was a fierce northern gale, heavy seas, and “blinding showers of snow.”
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At 10:30, a ship was sighted 2-3 miles out at sea, prompting the firing of a signal gun from the battery, which drew hundreds of inhabitants to the scene.
The Upgang Lifeboat, situated 1 mile north of Whitby, was promptly launched to aid the distressed vessel, which had struck the Upgang Rock.
They attempted to throw a line to the vessel but failed.
“The waves broke over the vessel, and as she began to break up the crew lashed themselves to the rigging. Their voices were distinctly heard above the storm. After the Lifeboat had been exposed to the storm for nearly two hours, without being able to render any assistance, a heavy sea broke over and half filled her with water”.
Attempts at rescue were called off
Coxswain H Freeman launched the “Robert Whitworth,” the other Whitby Lifeboat.
“As she approached the vessel, the red light suddenly went out. At the same time, a blue light was seen on the shore of Upgang. The men on the Whitby boat mistook the extinction of the lights on board the vessel as a sign that the crew had been safely rescued and that the last man, on quitting the ship, had extinguished the ‘danger lights’ on board. The Whitby Lifeboat was accordingly put back. The ill-fated ship’s crew perished as their vessel broke up at midnight. Their expiring cries were heard on shore. At daylight on Sunday morning, only a few vestiges of the wreck were visible”.
The vessel was later recognised as the brig “Lumley” from South Shields, transporting a load of coal. Sadly, all ten crew members lost their lives.
Just four days after the “Lumley” tragedy, a lifeboat rescue in Robin Hood’s Bay took place
On the morning of Wednesday, January 19th, 1881, a Whitby ship, the brig “Visitor,” was wrecked in Robin Hood’s Bay. The ship broke up, and the unlucky crew took to the little lifeboat.
This tale unfolded with no witnesses. The crew would have hoped for the people on shore to notice their distress, but the alarm was only raised when morning came.
The crew couldn’t navigate through the surf due to the treacherous rocks in Robin Hood’s Bay, and only the bravest would consider landing here in a storm. A local might have stood a chance, but the men stayed offshore, struggling against towering waves and snow blizzards.
In the morning, the wreck was spotted
Once the wreck was spotted, the Robin Hood’s Bay Lifeboat could not set sail, and it would have been reckless for any fisherman to brave the rough sea.
An alternative solution was necessary. Scarborough was contacted, and Commander Grant received a telegram seeking aid for the boat stranded at Robin Hood’s Bay. However, all the tugs were stranded in the harbour, making launching them impossible.
Captain Gibson, the Harbourmaster at Whitby, received a telegram from Reverend Jermyn Cooper, the vicar of Fylingdales. The telegram requested the dispatch of a lifeboat because a ship was being wrecked.
They decided to carry the Lifeboat overland to Robin Hood’s Bay
Captain Gibson immediately attempted to launch the lifeboat, but it proved impossible due to strong prevailing winds. Using a tugboat was ruled out as it would have been too risky. Ultimately, the decision was made to transport the lifeboat overland to Robin Hood’s Bay.
The eight-mile journey across the moors to Robin Hood’s Bay began. The main obstacle was the massive snowdrifts. The lifeboat was placed on its carriage, and initially, the lifeboat crew and their close relatives set off along the Scarborough Road.
A strong team of horses worked together to carry the lifeboat up the hill. Despite the challenging winds and snow blizzards, the men from Whitby persevered and refused to be defeated. They ripped through hedges and were helped by men clearing a path and farmers.
Three hours later, they arrived at Robin Hood’s Bay to a tremendous cheer. More than 200 men, including some of the lifeboat crew members, came forward to assist in clearing the massive 6-foot snowdrifts.
The lifeboat next had to be lowered down the cliff
The crowd waited for a rescue, but the first attempt failed. Eight oars were broken and replaced with oars from Robin Hood’s Bays lifeboat. On their second try, they succeeded in the rescue. However, it was only after a local man from Robin Hood’s Bay, John Skelton, bravely waded into the lifeboat and skillfully guided it through the turbulent surf. His invaluable local knowledge was crucial as he expertly piloted the boat through a narrow channel.
The rescue was an exhausting and traumatic experience for the survivors. Numb with cold, they initially didn’t realise they had been rescued, having virtually given up all hope. However, the thousand or so people who had helped clear the way, along with the whole of Robin Hood’s Bay, erupted in excitement as the epic rescue was completed.
Henry Freeman
Henry Freeman, a renowned lifeboatman from Whitby, dedicated many years of service to his community.
This remarkable rescue became the pinnacle of his career. As the coxswain of the Whitby Lifeboat, he was the only survivor of the 1861 lifeboat disaster, a testament to the life-saving protection provided by his cork lifejacket.
You can learn more about his life here.
The 1881 rescue of the brig “Visitor” is one of lifeboat history’s most epic and heroic events. The crew’s remarkable bravery and determination, along with the unwavering support from Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby communities, remain a treasured tale.
The vessel saved was a Whitby ship, the Brig “Visitor,” owned by Mr. Trueman Robinson of Robin Hood’s Bay.
Visit the Whitby Lifeboat Museum to learn more about this lifeboat rescue in Robin Hood’s Bay and their incredible work.
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