Wells RNLI remembers the loss of the Eliza Adams 145 years on
On Wednesday 29 October 2025, Wells RNLI will pause to remember the eleven lifeboatmen who lost their lives 145 years ago in one of the darkest days in the town’s maritime history the loss of the Wells lifeboat Eliza Adams in 1880.
This year, flowers will be laid at the memorial in Wells-next-the-Sea to mark the anniversary and to honour the courage of those who gave their lives in service to others.
Chris Hardy, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Wells RNLI, said: ‘Each year we pause to remember the crew of the Eliza Adams and the unimaginable sacrifice they made. Their courage and sense of duty in the face of extreme danger continue to inspire every volunteer who serves at Wells today. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those men they represent the very spirit of the RNLI, one of bravery, selflessness and service to others.’
At 12 noon on 29 October 1880, the Wells lifeboat Eliza Adams was launched into a fierce gale to assist the brig Sharon’s Rose, which had run ashore on Holkham Beach. Battling heavy seas, the crew successfully rescued seven sailors and returned safely drenched, exhausted, but triumphant to Wells Quay.
As they arrived back, a second distress flag was sighted from the brig Ocean Queen, anchored east of the harbour entrance in worsening conditions. After eight crew members were replaced, the Eliza Adams launched again, towed out by the steam tug Promise at around 3.30pm. By this time, Ocean Queen had parted her cable and been driven onto the sands. Unable to render assistance, the order was given to the Eliza Adams to turn for home.
Around fifteen minutes later, disaster struck. A huge wave broke over the Eliza Adams, capsizing her and driving her mast into the sand, trapping it and preventing the boat from self-righting. Twelve crew were washed overboard and eleven lost their lives.
Of the two survivors, one remained trapped inside the upturned boat, tangled in the rigging until the mast eventually snapped, allowing the lifeboat to right itself. The other survivor managed to cling to the rudder and was later washed ashore.
Mel Catton, Chairman of Wells Town Council, added: ‘The story of the Eliza Adams is woven into the history of our town and into the hearts of our community. Those eleven men showed incredible bravery and a deep sense of duty to others. As the RNLI lay flowers in their memory, we remember not only their sacrifice but the strength and resilience of their families and of Wells itself.’
The tragedy left ten widows and twenty-eight children. The RNLI contributed £1,000 to a local fund for the dependants and covered the funeral expenses. Years later, survivor Captain Thomas Kew made a heartfelt public appeal for a memorial to his fallen crewmates, A memorial was later erected opposite the old lifeboat house at the start of the beach road, where it still stands today as a lasting tribute to their courage a permanent reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the Eliza Adams crew.
The remembrance will reflect on their selflessness, the enduring legacy of their sacrifice, and the continued dedication of RNLI volunteers who risk their lives to save others at sea.
RNLI Media contacts Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager South East, Lifeboat Press Officer at Wells: Tel 07483488243 Email: [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Notes to Editor Those who perished were:
Robert Elsdon (Coxswain), Frank Abel, John Elsdon, William Field, William Green, Charles Hines, George Jay, Charles Smith, Samuel Smith, John Stacey, and William Wordingham.
Captain Thos. Kew Wrote in his appeal-
Dear Friend,
Ten Lifeboatmen lie in the Churchyard at Wells, and not a stone marks the place where they lie. I am the only survivor out of thirteen; eleven drowned and two saved. Seven men were saved from the Sharon Rose of Whitby, and then the Lifeboatmen were called out a second time to rescue the crew of the brig Ocean Queen of Sunderland.
These brave men left their wives and children to return no more, and ten widows and twenty-eight young children were left to mourn their loss. One brave man the sea never gave up.
Such a long time has passed since this sad occurrence that I feel I must at last appeal to the public for help to raise a memorial to these brave men who perished while doing their duty. They had English hearts, and I hope the public will do them honour for their brave act.
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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