The Longhope Lifeboat Disaster

On March 17 1969, eight lifeboat crew set out into a storm. They never returned. Their home village of Brims in the Orkney Islands, Scotland, is so small that the loss amounted to a third of the population. Seven women were widowed and ten children left fatherless. But the community never faltered. Volunteers immediately came forward to make up a new crew, with the full support of the bereaved families. The current Longhope lifeboat is led by Coxswain Kevin Kirkpatrick, who lost his father, uncle and grandfather in the disaster. His son and daughter also volunteer on the crew. This film is a tribute to the remarkable people of Longhope. Their story is one of unimaginable loss, but it is also one of inspirational strength.