The Orkney Image Library
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This photo shows the old lifeboat Thomas McCunn on station at Longhope 1933-1962 being hauled into the boat house at Brims.
In the photograph standing second from the left is Fred Johnston, a regular contributer to this site.
Capt Fred is now the only man alive who served on this boat and as a young man was on the crew of the Thomas McCunn when the crew of 16 were rescued from the motor tanker "Oljaren" hard aground on Pentland Skerries with gale force wind and heavy seas running, on 13th april 1951.
Fred's father (also Fred) was the Coxwain at the time and was awarded a bronze medel for the rescue.
Fred junr has said he was never so afraid in all his life as he was that night!!.
Hope you dont mind me saying that Fred but I think it must be said it's not "all beer and skittles oot there is it?!"
Any photos of the "Oljarn" please to this site??.
Just off the slipway the new Lifeboat "Helen Comrie is standing clear.
View Large VersionPicture added on 25 February 2008
Fifty years ago on the 6th of Dec 2009 this Lifeboat went to try to render assistance to the Aberdeen trawler George Robb, ashore on the stacks o Duncansby. The weather was so bad that it is a wonder that the lifeboat and her crew returned.
On reaching the area nothing could be done and the entire trawler crew were lost- also a coastguard died that night.
The Lifeboat sustained damage and I have heard that the putty filling the nail heads was knocked out with the force of her falling off the tops of the seas at Duncansby Head.
Having been there in heavy weather in a much more able self righting Lifeboat I must say it says a hell of a lot for this old boat and her crew that they came through that night alive.
Do visit our museum and see a wooden lifeboat that was crewed by hardy men who had nerves of steel!!.
On reaching the area nothing could be done and the entire trawler crew were lost- also a coastguard died that night.
The Lifeboat sustained damage and I have heard that the putty filling the nail heads was knocked out with the force of her falling off the tops of the seas at Duncansby Head.
Having been there in heavy weather in a much more able self righting Lifeboat I must say it says a hell of a lot for this old boat and her crew that they came through that night alive.
Do visit our museum and see a wooden lifeboat that was crewed by hardy men who had nerves of steel!!.
Added by John Budge on 05 December 2009
I would like to add to Capt Fred's comments on the Oljarn rescue. Fred also stated that but for the ship's boatswain getting a rope from them and made fast, Fred said they would have been driven onto the shore saying that the boatswain was the man who saved the day.
I think Peedie Freddie as he was known then was only 15 years old at the time!.
Cant imagine a 15 year old being in such a dangerous situation nowadays!!.
Coxwain Fred Snr his father knew no fear, What a guy!!.
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I think Peedie Freddie as he was known then was only 15 years old at the time!.
Cant imagine a 15 year old being in such a dangerous situation nowadays!!.
Coxwain Fred Snr his father knew no fear, What a guy!!.
Added by John Budge on 08 December 2012
Hoy and Walls
After the three services, she was withdrawn and sent to Buckie for repairs and the Stromness boat covered, until the reserve boat arrived.