Tributes paid 60 years after lifeboat tragedy
Posted: October 27, 2013
Posted in: Workplace Injuries Wrongful & Accidental Death
60 years ago a lifeboat disaster took the lives of 6 men just off the east coast of Scotland — a service is due to take place today to commemorate their deaths. The accident occurred only quarter of a mile from the harbour in Arbroath on the 27 October 1953. The men who died in the tragedy were David Bruce, Harry Swankie, William Swankie, Thomas Adams, David Cargill and Charles Cargill; the only survivor was Archibald Smith who managed to keep hold of a rope that had been thrown to the boat by people who witnessed the accident from land.
The lifeboat, ‘The Robert Lindsay’, had only launched three years prior to the accident, July 1950. The boat was the 7th Arbroath vessel, named after her benefactor, the late Robert Lindsay of Mains of Kinblethmont, and was a twin-engined 35½ footer of the Liverpool class with a crew of seven. The boat had been in the midst of searching for a vessel in distress when it overturned in the heavy seas.
‘Darkest day in our history’
Today Arbroath will see a gathering in the church to remember the men who lost their lives. The town’s current lifeboat team will sail out after the service to lay a wreath on the sea where the accident happened. Alex Smith, the lifeboat operations manager at Arbroath, said:
“It is the darkest day in our history here at Arbroath lifeboat station and the sacrifice of those lost has been, and continues to be, an inspiration to generations of crewmen.”
Have you been injured at work in Aberdeen?
If you’ve suffered a personal injury from an accident in your workplace, you could be entitled to claim compensation. We can help you make a no win, no fee* injury claim today by calling 01224 980 625 or using our contact form. We offer no obligation advice, so there’s nothing to lose by investigating your claim.
« Firm admits failures following River Clyde deaths
Fife council fined following chainsaw accident »
