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Cromer, Norfolk: a Daring Rescue at the RNLI Lifeboat Station

A daring double rescue at sea where Greek and Swedish sailors were saved

The lifeboat crew, like those around the country, were very busy during World War One because more boats were using the seas around Britain often with hostile motives.

On 9 January 1917, a double rescue took place which would save the lives of 33 people. Legendary life boatman Henry Blogg led a crew of 40 volunteers to the aid of the Greek steam ship the Pyrin. Later that night they were called to help a second crew, this time on the Swedish ship the Fernebo which had struck a German mine.

Blogg, who served 58 years on Cromer’s lifeboats, was awarded a Gold Medal for his leadership in the rescue. The Coxswain received a silver medal and 12 other crew received bronze awards.

Peter Stibbons is a volunteer at Cromer Lifeboat here he tells the story of Blogg and his volunteers that extraordinary night.

Location: Cromer, Norfolk NR27 9ET
Image shows the Fernebo rescue crew in 1917, with the lifeboat crew in 2013
Historic image courtesy of Peter Stibbons Cromer RNLI, who also presents the story

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Duration:

3 minutes

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