Disaster lifeboat returns to her home

Published Date: 16 May 2009
A piece of Seaham's history has been returned to the town after being spotted on the Internet.

The George Elmy lifeboat was brought back to Seaham Harbour Docks after a member of East Durham Heritage Group saw it on auction website eBay
The lifeboat was involved in a rescue disaster when nine lives were lost on November 17, 1962, when it capsized just outside Seaham Harbour as it returned from saving the crew of a fishing vessel

George Mullen, from East Durham Heritage Group, said: "The boat is a massive part of Seaham's history, and we are delighted that it is back where it belongs It was Brian Scollen who spotted it on eBay about two weeks ago. We could not believe our eyes, the group started fund-raising to raise £1,580 needed to buy the boat but Seaham fisherman, Tommy Smith, from Murton, stumped up the cash to ensure it was returned

He said: "We had to grab the bull by the horns. There was no waiting around. It belongs here in Seaham, so I was more than happy to lend the cash."  He added: "I could not believe it when the heritage group got in touch with me  I was only a bairn when the disaster happened. I found the lifeboat's porthole on the beach. I've still got it at home  Everyone thought that the boat had been scrapped."

East Durham Heritage group had a specialist travel to Holyhead, where the boat was being kept, to check out its authenticity  Mr Mullen added: "It's ID number's still there. We still cannot believe that after all these years we have it back  "It means a great deal to the people of Seaham."  HM Coastguard Seaham donated £500 to the heritage group to help reimburse Mr Smith.  Seaham Dock Company will temporarily store the boat until East Durham Heritage Group decide what to do with it.

The Sunderland Echo