Image 188 |
Search for Image ID ""Images for Disasters and Mishaps 188 John & Maria (H) Russell.
The Chelmsford Chronicle 2 Nov 1911 gives details of the tragedy:
Two lives were lost in the wreck of the Harwich ketch YULAN, which went aground on the Goodwin Sands on Monday night in a fierce south-easterly gale, and was not located by the lifeboatmen until daybreak on Tuesday. The crew consisted of John Russell, the master, and his two sons. The sons were drowned before their father's eyes, and John Russell himself narrowly escaped losing his life. The elder son was washed off the wreck during the night, but Russell and his son Arthur continued to cling to the rigging. Just as the lifeboat was approaching, the mast came down and both were plunged into the sea. Arthur Russell was never seen again, but his father kept afloat, and was eventually rescued by the Walmer lifeboat. It was a terrible night, piercingly cold, with a biting frost and a violent gale. The lifeboatmen showed great heroism. Poor John Russell was in a terribly exhausted state. He had no strength left, and was practically dragged through the sea with the lifebuoy round him.
Photo: Ron Green Collection Image ID RG25_RUS_003 Category 3 Families | |
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