More than 30 vessels were lost and many crew members perished, among them six local lifeboatmen
Bridlington RNLI volunteers at last year’s Great Gale service at Bridlington Priory Church(Image: RNLI/Mike Milner)
Bridlington RNLI volunteers are preparing to mark the 155th anniversary of the Great Gale, at Bridlington ’s Priory Church. Crew members will join the congregation, together with HM Coastguard, other members of the fishing and harbour communities and other town dignitaries, in remembering those lost on the fateful day.
The commemoration will be held on Sunday, February 8. On Friday, February 10, 1871, Bridlington witnessed one of the worst maritime disasters to ever hit the north east coast.
The so-called “Bay of Refuge” was witness to the storm that affected not only the town, but many other seafarers who had taken shelter in the bay, to escape the worst of the winter weather that ravaged the coast in the early part of that year. More than 30 vessels were to be lost that day, many of them being wrecked after hitting the sea walls, and many of the crew members perishing.
Bridlington had at its disposal two lifeboats, the RNLI’s Robert Whitworth II, which launched several times and saved the crews of three vessels, and the Harbinger, a private lifeboat owned by local fishermen, which also set out on numerous occasions that day. The latter put out in atrocious conditions to aid the brig, Delta, but tragically, a wave capsized the lifeboat and six of the nine local men on board were drowned.
The six brave crew of the Harbinger lost were Robert Pickering, John Clappison, Richard Atkin, James Watson, David Purdon and William Cobb. Four of the crew of the Delta, including the captain, were also lost to the sea.
Another vessel to suffer many losses was the brig, Produce, which was driven ashore close to the North Pier. The Rev Neil Bowler, rector of Bridlington Priory, said: “The Great Gale service here at Bridlington Priory is embedded in our community, as a way of remembering the tragedy that happened when so many lost their lives.
“Also it is an opportunity to give thanks for the bravery of the men and women who risk their lives, and in some cases have lost their lives, across the generations, in attempting to save lives at sea. This year we will be giving thanks for all the different organisations who work so closely together to try to make our seas and coastline as safe as is possible.
“It will be, once again, a privilege for me to lead this very special service in the life of our town and wider community.” After the service, Mr Bowler, volunteers from Bridlington Lifeboat and the congregation, will attend a memorial in the Priory’s churchyard that commemorates 43 burials there, as well as the graves of the volunteer crew of the lifeboat Harbinger, who are also buried in separate graves.
Andy Rodgers, Bridlington RNLI coxswain, said: “The 10th of February 1871 is a date that is woven deeply into the heart of Bridlington. In a community shaped by the sea for centuries, the events of that day still echo through the generations.
“Many families in the town today carry the names, the stories and the memories of loved ones who were lost, and of those who bravely fought to save others whether out on the raging waters or along the windswept shoreline. The people of Bridlington witnessed the raw and unforgiving force of Mother Nature in a way that changed this town forever.
“That is why we must never allow the sacrifices made 155 years ago to fade from our collective memory. Every year, the community comes together not out of duty, but out of love and respect to honour those who gave everything so that others might live.
“Bridlington RNLI stands alongside many other organisations at the Priory Church, laying wreaths, offering prayers to ensure that all the souls are remembered with the dignity they deserve. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who supports Bridlington RNLI.
“Your kindness, your generosity, and your belief in what we do mean more than words can say. Every act of support helps us continue our mission: to be there, just as they were, ready to save lives at sea.”
The disaster led MP and social reformer Samuel Plimsoll to petition Parliament to introduce a new law to prevent ships being dangerously overladen, by introducing the painting of a load line on the hull. “Plimsoll Lines”, as they became known, are still used in international shipping to this day.