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Cruel Sea: The Penlee Lifeboat Disaster

Using actual radio footage, eyewitness testimony and memories of bereaved family members, the story of the 1981 Penlee lifeboat tragedy off the Cornish coast. First shown in 2006.

In December 1981, the Penlee lifeboat was called out to help a stricken coaster off the coast of Cornwall. In hurricane winds and sixty foot waves, the crew of the Solomon Browne made a heroic attempt to rescue those on board the ill-fated Union Star. Using actual radio footage, eyewitness testimony and memories of bereaved family members, this film tells the story of that tragic night.

Originally shown in 2006 to mark the 25th anniversary of the disaster.

1 hour

Last on

Fri 15 Mar 202400:35
BBC Four

Music Played

  • Abstract Truth

    (We Had) A Thing

  • New Model Army

    Green and Grey

  • People Under the Stairs

    Same Beat (The Wesley Rap)

Credits

ProducerJulian Mercer
DirectorSally Thomson

Broadcasts