A Bronze Medal was awarded to Coxswain Frank Blewett of Penlee lifeboat for rescuing nine crew from the steamer which struck the Gear Rock and ran aground by the stern, bow afloat in a gale. I've seen reports that wreckage was flung onto the promenade; must have been a dreadful storm.
Taycraig : 27th Jan 1936, Cornish owned, London registration; dragged anchor in a south west gale -
wrapped herself around the tall post and cage beacon of gear Rocks ( off the promenade ).
Her crew were saved by the lifeboat; Taycraig was in ballast for Newlyn ( heading for Newlyn to take on roadstone ).
She sank until her funnel and masts stood out of the water. Could not be salvaged.
Lifeboat named W and S .
Taycraig (163 tons; owned by County of Cornwall Shipping Company of Redruth ).
Taycraig was forced onto Gear rock in a strong SSW gale, in heavy rain.
The ship was reported on fire. It took half an hour to reach the ship ( a distance of just over a mile ).
Upon arrival it was found the ship was not on fire and partly submerged.
The blaze was a mattress set on fire to gain attention.
It was one of those situations that was later repeated with the Solomon Browne,
as the Taycraig's master fully expected the lifeboat to be thrown onto his deck.
The crew jumped one at a time, choosing their moment, one man fell into the sea, but was quickly saved.
The lifeboat had only one of the two engines working.
Coxwain Frank Blewett was awarded the RNLI Bronze Medal for the skill in which he had saved the crew.
Raymond Forward
