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Scarborough RNLI remembers lost crew at their annual memorial service

Lifeboats News Release

On Sunday 8 December 2024, Scarborough RNLI’s 70th annual memorial service was held at St Mary’s Church. The service was conducted by Rev Pam Jennings and the Rev Jordan Allen and featuring Filey Fishermen’s Choir, marks the 70th anniversary.

RNLI/Nick Gough

The service was attended by the Mayor of the borough of Scarborough, Cllr Janet Jefferson, along with members of the HM Coastguard and Scarborough Sea Cadets.

Readings were conducted by Scarborough RNLI Coxswain Lee Marton, and RNLI Scarborough chairman Colin Woodhead.

Roll of Honour was conducted by volunteer crew Jacob Allen and one of the newest crew members Connor Mcpherson, laid a reef with the memorials.

In the early hours of 8 December 1954, most of the Scarborough fishing fleet was at sea. The weather was calm, with a gentle southeast wind and a slight swell. However, as the morning progressed, the wind suddenly strengthened, and the sea became increasingly rough. At 11:40am, the Scarborough lifeboat The ECJR, a 35-foot self-righting vessel, was called upon to escort the fishing fleet safely back to the harbour.

The lifeboat headed south and found the fishing coble near Cayton Bay, with a single crewman struggling against the worsening conditions. Securing a tow line to the Venture, the lifeboat safely guided her back to the harbour.

By this time, it was known that 10 cobles remained at sea to the north of Scarborough. With the weather escalating to a full south-easterly gale and heavy swells with breaking waves, the lifeboat ventured out again, successfully escorting the six cobles back to safety.

By 3:30pm, only three fishing boats remained unaccounted for.

The lifeboat resumed its search to the north. Soon, a message came via radio telephone that the Whitby lifeboat had escorted two of the boats into Whitby, and the remaining boat had managed to reach Whitby unaided.

At approximately 4:45pm, the lifeboat began its return journey to the harbour. By then, the sea conditions had deteriorated further, with 15-foot breaking waves caused by the ebbing tide, and visibility hampered by driving sleet. Approaching from the northwest, the lifeboat faced the wind and waves on her stern. Despite deploying a drogue to stabilize the vessel, the crew had to abort eight attempts to enter the harbour due to the tumultuous sea state.

On the ninth attempt, while running at half engine speed, an enormous wave overtook the lifeboat approximately 200 yards from the harbour entrance. The wave overwhelmed the vessel, forcing her to run submerged for about 30 yards before she surfaced, veered to port, and became uncontrollable, half-filled with water. A second massive wave struck, capsizing the lifeboat, though she immediately righted herself.

The engines had stalled, and only three crew members Allan Rennard, William Sheader, and Tom Scales remained aboard.

The other five had been thrown into the sea. While the port engine was restarted, the starboard engine failed due to ropes from the drogue entangling the propeller. As the bowman took the wheel, the crew managed to pull Ernest Eves and Jack Crawford back aboard. Tragically, as they attempted to save Second Coxswain John Cammish, another wave swept him away. Despite these challenges, the lifeboat, with its diminished crew, reached the harbour.

Coxswain John Sheader and Second Coxswain John Cammish were washed ashore within minutes. Despite the efforts of those who came to their aid and their swift transfer to St. Thomas’s Hospital on the seafront, both men succumbed to their injuries. The body of Francis Bayes was recovered later.

An investigation by the RNLI revealed that the drogue had gone missing, and its ropes were entangled around the starboard propeller, rendering the engine inoperative. Though the lifeboat itself suffered only superficial damage, the extraordinary weather conditions and operational challenges had proven overwhelming, resulting in a devastating loss.

Just days later, on 11 December, the ECJR returned to service with a newly formed crew that included the five survivors of the accident. On 13 December, a funeral service was held in this very church, attended by the widows, families, and a large congregation. The Archbishop of York delivered a heartfelt sermon.

The lifeboatmen who lost their lives were:

Coxswain John Nicholas Sheader, also known as (Jack) aged 63, who had served for 42 years and been coxswain for 10 years. He was awarded a Bronze Medal by the RNLI in 1952 for his role in aiding the Dutch motor vessel Westkust.

Second Coxswain John Cammish, aged 55, who had served with both the Filey and Scarborough lifeboats for 37 years and been second coxswain for 10 years.

Signalman Francis Bayes, aged 29, who had served as a crew member for many years.

Since that tragic day, the station has gathered annually at St Mary's church on the Sunday nearest to 8 December to honor the memory of the ECJR disaster and all other lifeboat tragedies.

Roger Buxton, Scarborough RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager commented: 'Every year since this tragedy has been commemorated by a church service remembering their ultimate sacrifice and final act of selflessness on the first Sunday after its anniversary.

'During Scarborough RNLI’s 223-year history, the number of people rescued is in substantial but untold numbers. For all that, sixteen men have given their lives in the service of Scarborough lifeboat. They include Frank Dalton, who died in an accident three years before the ECJR in tumultuous seas on 9 December 1951. All 16 men who made the ultimate sacrifice in the history of our station are remembered during the service.

'We remember with deep respect the brave lifeboatmen and shore crew who sacrificed their lives. For some, these events may now seem like a distant memory, but to the families of the fallen, they remain ever-present. It is our duty to ensure their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten by the people of Scarborough.'

Notes to editors

  • Photographs from the visit are available to download. Please credit RNLI/ Scarborough
  • As a charity, the RNLI relies on voluntary donations to power its lifesaving work. There are many ways to donate to the RNLI, for more information visit https://rnli.org/

Notes to editors 

Scarborough lifeboat station has been operating since 1801. The crews have received 35 awards for gallantry and today the station operates a Shannon class all-weather lifeboat and a D class inshore lifeboat
To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: 
https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/scarborough-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts 

Nick Gough RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07939025881 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [email protected]

RNLI/Nick Gough

RNLI/Nick Gough

RNLI Scarborough Chairman Colin Woodhead Reading

RNLI/Nick Gough

Dan Sellers, Mark Jenkinson, Richard Davis

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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