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RNLI lifeboat Arab I at the quay, Padstow, Cornwall. 1883-1900
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RNLI lifeboat Arab I at the quay, Padstow, Cornwall. 1883-1900
The lifeboat Arab I under sail off the quay at Padstow with the railway yards in the background. The lifeboat has a full compliment of women and children passengers with a good sized crowd of onlookers on the quay. It is noticeable that the crew of the Lifeboat are wearing cork life jackets, however, the passengers are not. RNLI Arab I (34 foot x 8 foot) was a gift from Mr R.A.B. Preston who had been saved from his yacht Arab. She was wrecked on 11th April 1900, without any loss of crew, while assisting the Lowestoft trawler Peace and Plenty. The steam lifeboat, James Stevens No 4, was also lost on the same night, together with eight members of her crew. Three crew members of the Peace and Plenty also lost their lives. Photographer: Unknown
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TRURI : SA.0059.1
Media ID 19674395
© From the collection of the RIC
Coast Coastal Crowds Edwardian Harbour Institution National Royal Sails Lifeboat Lives Preserver Rnli Saving
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the RNLI lifeboat Arab I at the quay in Padstow, Cornwall, during the period of 1883-1900. The image showcases the majestic lifeboat sailing off the quay with the railway yards forming a picturesque backdrop. What makes this scene truly remarkable is that Arab I is filled with women and children passengers, accompanied by a sizable crowd of onlookers gathered on the quay. One notable detail is that while the crew members are wearing cork life jackets for their safety, it appears that the passengers do not have any such protection. This intriguing contrast highlights both bravery and vulnerability in an era when safety measures were still evolving. Arab I was generously gifted to RNLI by Mr R. A. B. Preston after being rescued from his yacht named Arab. Sadly, this heroic vessel met its tragic end on April 11th, 1900, when it was wrecked while assisting another ship called Peace and Plenty near Lowestoft. Fortunately, no lives were lost among Arab I's crew during this incident; however, tragically eight members of James Stevens No 4 steam lifeboat's crew perished alongside three crew members from Peace and Plenty. The photographer responsible for capturing this historic moment remains unknown but has immortalized a significant chapter in Cornish maritime history through this evocative image.
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