One hundred years ago saw a desperate RNLI rescue mission, the success of which paved the path for a new phase of lifeboat development

The
RNLI is set to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the most
dramatic rescue in the charity’s long history this weekend.


A
series of events and tributes will take place in Whitby to remember those who
died in the Rohilla ship disaster and
the RNLI volunteers who helped saved 144 lives.


On
29 October 1914, the hospital ship Rohilla
set out to Dunkirk with a mission of rescuing wounded British soldiers.


The
vessel was navigating blind due to wartime blackouts when it veered miles off
course in storm force conditions and hit rocks a mile south of Whitby, causing
it to break in two.


Many
of the 229 people on board were washed directly off the aft deck, drowning
instantly.


Conditions
made it nearly impossible for the RNLI to rescue survivors, despite the wreck
being only 600 metres from the shore.


Taking
more than 50 hours and receiving help from Whitby, Upgang, Scarborough,
Teesmouth and Tynemouth lifeboats, the mission eventually managed to save 144
people, including the ship’s cat. 


The
Whitby lifeboat alone rescued 30 men and five nurses, one of whom had
previously survived the sinking of the Titanic.


The
Henry Vernon, which was the first
motor lifeboat built, was called by telegram from Tynemouth and crewed by
untrained volunteers.


After
reaching the wreck, several gallons of oil were discharged from vessel, calming
the water, meaning the lifeboat could get close enough to rescue the remaining
50 passengers who’d been stranded for two days.


Out
of the 229 people on board, 84 sadly perished.


The
rescue was one of the defining moments in the RNLI’s history and many medals
were awarded to volunteer crewman.


The
successful use of one of the first motor lifeboats in the RNLI fleet increased
the popularity of these ?new-fangled’ innovations, which were initially
distrusted by their crew – and paved the way for a new phase of lifeboat
development.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRgYujXxSTs