In 1861 one of Whitby’s lifeboats capsized while on duty. This event saw the death of 12 of the 13 crew on board. The only survivor was Henry Freeman, the only person wearing a lifejacket on the lifeboat. In 2011, on the 150 th anniversary, 100 people attended a service of commemoration and remembrance for those who lost their lives at the RNLI lifeboat station. These were men on service, helping those at sea. This tragic event is a reminder that even the best swimmers are at high risk in the turbulent sea and it highlights the importance of wearing a lifejacket. We will take a look at the life of Henry Freeman, the sole survivor.

In 1861 one of Whitby’s lifeboats capsized while on duty. This event saw the death of 12 of the 13 crew on board. The only survivor was Henry Freeman, the only person wearing a lifejacket on the lifeboat. In 2011, on the 150 th anniversary, 100 people attended a service of commemoration and remembrance for those who lost their lives at the RNLI lifeboat station. These were men on service, helping those at sea. This tragic event is a reminder that even the best swimmers are at high risk in the turbulent sea and it highlights the importance of wearing a lifejacket. We will take a look at the life of Henry Freeman, the sole survivor.