56 years on: The lasting impact of the Longhope lifeboat disaster

On the night of 17 March 1969, eight volunteer crew from Longhope set out into a violent storm to answer a distress call. The Liberian cargo ship Irene, finding herself caught in hurricane-force winds and towering waves in the Pentland Firth, had signalled for help. Without hesitation, the crew of the Longhope lifeboat, RNLB T.G.B, launched into the darkness, as they had done many times before.

But the sea was merciless. The T.G.B, a non-self-righting Watson class lifeboat, was last heard from at 9.30 pm. When it failed to return, a search was launched, and by the following morning, the tragic discovery was made; RNLB T.G.B had capsized and was found floating upside down in the water. All eight volunteer crew members were lost.

The Longhope disaster was one of the worst tragedies in RNLI history, devastating the small community and shaking the maritime world. But from this loss came vital changes that have since saved countless lives at sea. The disaster accelerated improvements in lifeboat design, crew safety, and rescue operations, shaping the RNLI’s future.

The differences between the T.G.B and Longhope’s current lifeboat, RNLB Helen Comrie, illustrate how lifeboat technology has advanced in response to past tragedies. The T.G.B was not self-righting, meaning that if overturned, it could not recover; a stark contrast to the Helen Comrie, a Tamar class lifeboat designed to right itself automatically. Speed has also improved significantly; while the T.G.B could reach around nine knots, the Helen Comrie can power through the waves at speeds in excess of 25 knots, allowing crews to respond to emergencies faster than ever before.

Crew safety and comfort have also changed beyond recognition. The T.G.B had an open wheelhouse, exposing crew to freezing spray and strong winds. In contrast, the Helen Comrie features a fully enclosed, climate-controlled cabin, with shock-absorbing seats, ensuring our volunteer crews are protected from the harshest conditions. Navigation and communication have also taken a huge leap forward. While the T.G.B’s crew relied on basic radio systems, compasses, and paper charts, the Helen Comrie boasts GPS, radar, and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), giving its crew a clear view of their surroundings, even in the worst visibility, allowing crews to navigate treacherous waters and stay in constant contact with the Coastguard.

Crew safety gear has also transformed dramatically. Lifeboat crews in 1969 wore basic waterproofs and lifejackets, offering little protection against the freezing waters of the Pentland Firth. Today’s crews wear thermal layers, impact-resistant helmets, and advanced life jackets with built-in locator beacons, spray hoods, and lights, ensuring they remain visible and protected in the worst conditions.

Perhaps most importantly, the way rescues are carried out has evolved. The T.G.B had a basic deck layout, requiring manual lifting and rope work to bring casualties on board. The Helen Comrie, however, includes a dedicated medical bay, hydraulic lifting systems, and advanced lifesaving equipment such as defibrillators and oxygen supplies, allowing crews to provide urgent medical care at sea.

The loss of the Longhope lifeboat crew was a tragedy that left a deep scar on the community, but their sacrifice led to safety improvements that continue to protect lifeboat crews across the UK and Ireland. The disaster reinforced the RNLI’s commitment to never launch a lifeboat without the best possible equipment and training.

Today, the current Longhope lifeboat, RNLB Helen Comrie stands as a testament to this legacy; a lifeboat built to withstand the most extreme conditions, ensuring that no crew launches into danger without the protection and tools they need to come home safely.

Scott Johnston, Longhope’s current Coxswain reflects that, ‘Losing my grandfather, James Johnson (Second Coxswain) great-uncle, Robert Johnston (Bowman) and great-grandfather, Robert (Sodger) Johnston (Mechanic), in the 1969 disaster is something that will always be a part of me. Those eight men were heroes, and what happened that night changed our community forever. But because of them, lifeboats are safer, and volunteer crews like ours have a much better chance of making it home. The sea is still just as dangerous, but we’ve got the best training and equipment now, and that’s their legacy—we carry it with us every time we head out on a shout.’

Each year, we remember the eight volunteer crew members who gave their lives at sea, honouring their sacrifice and the bravery of all who continue to serve in the RNLI. Today, Longhope's volunteer crew will lay a wreath at the Osmundwall Memorial; a solemn tribute to their courage, dedication and the legacy they leave behind.

Rest in Peace

We will remember them

Notes to editors

· Longhope lifeboat station has been operating since 1874. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: Longhope Lifeboat Station (rnli.org)

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Vicky Mackinnon, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07703 688066, [email protected]

Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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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