The Forrest Hall, rescued by the famous Lynmouth lifeboat overland launch in 1899. The Forrest Hall, rescued by the famous Lynmouth lifeboat overland launch in 1899.

Today (Thursday) marks the 118th anniversary of the famous overland launch which saw the Lynmouth lifeboat towed 13 miles to rescue a stricken ship.

It seemed ridiculous to attempt it, but 100 people and a team of horses managed the incredible feat of moving the 10 ton lifeboat Louisa to Porlock in the midst of a winter gale.

Then they went on to rescue the 18 souls stranded aboard the 1,900 ton Forrest Hall sailing ship, which was in peril of running aground at Porlock.

The saga is renowned as one of the greatest feats in the history of the RNLI.

A re-enactment of the famous journey was carried out in 1999. A re-enactment of the famous journey was carried out in 1999.

It began at 7.52pm when a telegram informed the Lynmouth crew of the Forrest Hall’s distress – but the sea was too rough to launch in the village and the ship seemed doomed.

Then Jack Crocombe uttered his immortal words and a crowd of 100 helpers and horses gathered to move the 10-metre long rowing boat.

Six men went ahead with shovels to widen the road, but at the top of the steep Countisbury Hill, most of the helpers turned back, leaving 20 men – including the lifeboat crew – to continue to Porlock.

They even had to break down a garden wall at one point, but eventually they reached Porlock and put to sea.

* Production is underway on Louisa: A Winter’s Tale in Lynmouth, an animated movie chronicling the launch, which is hoped to be ready for release by the summer.