MSP pays tribute to sacrifice of lifeboatmen on 50th Anniversary of Orkney tragedy
Jamie Halcro Johnston, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, today paid a heartfelt tribute to the sacrifice of the crew of an Orkney lifeboat crew who lost their lives 50 years ago.
The eight-man crew sailed from Longhope on the island of Hoy in a wooden lifeboat which was overwhelmed by mountainous waves caused by a ferocious storm.
Speaking in an emotional Member’s Debate called by Orkney MSP Liam McArthur, Jamie highlighted the devastating impact the tragedy had on the small tight-knit community on Hoy, as well as the heroism of the individuals concerned.
Jamie said: “I drew attention to the sacrifice of the Longhope crew because, as an Orcadian, I know the devastating impact the loss of the crew had on Orkney. It is an incident that is still vividly remembered in the islands.
“However, we should remember that the great tradition of selfless service continues and there are today no fewer than 238 RNLI lifeboat stations operating around the coastline of the British Isles.
“Although the boats now are much improved on those available fifty years ago, the risks remain. Every man and woman who serves knows that they are potentially putting themselves in harm’s way when they respond to an emergency call.
“It is right that we should remember this incredible record of service on anniversaries such as this.”
