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RNLI’s worst lifeboat disaster commemorated by wicker sculpture in Lytham
Lytham In Bloom have provided a very public reminder of the tragedy in the form of a wicker lifeboat man, dressed as in 1886, sitting on a bench in Market Square.
The German vessel’s crew of 12 were saved by the Lytham Lifeboat, but tragically the St Annes and Southport Lifeboats were both overwhelmed by the sea. All 13 volunteer crew of the St Annes boat and 14 out of the 16 manning the Southport boat lost their lives in the disaster.
Lytham In Bloom commissioned artist Helena Mellenchip, a talented local wicker sculptor, to build the life size figure, with sponsorship from Evolve Energy Supplies of Lytham. Helena has already produced many outstanding works on view in the grounds of Lytham Hall, so is well known locally as well as further afield. It took her about a month to make the model which is superb and much admired by passers by who are therefore reminded of the sacrifice of the lifeboat men of 1886.
The figure called 'Charles', after the Charles Biggs, the Lytham Lifeboat that carried out the rescue, was unveiled to the public on 26th August 2026 by sculptor Helena and Helen Igoe from Lytham Heritage Group, a descendent of Thomas Rimmer, a member of the life saving Lytham crew on the night of the disaster. He later transferred to the St Annes Lifeboat as coxswain to help form a new crew to replace those lost.
The Lytham St Annes Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) MOAM was brought round from her boat house with her crew to support the Lytham In Bloom volunteers at the unveiling ceremony. Charles should last outside in the weather for a number of years although in the depths of winter he will probably be taken indoors to help preserve him longer.
Adrienne Stocks, Lytham In Bloom organiser of the project, was over the moon with Charles and praised Helena’s workmanship as did all in attendance at the ceremony. Digby Moulden, Chair of the Lytham St Annes RNLI Station, was full of praise for Helena, Adrienne and the Lytham In Bloom volunteers who have made this possible with their support for the Lytham St Annes Sea Charity.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
David Forshaw, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]
Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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