After the ship Mexico fired distress rockets because it was in trouble off Southport on 9 December 1886, the Lytham lifeboat, the Charles Biggs, was the first to respond just after 10 p.m. and began the journey towards the Mexico. The St Anne’s lifeboat, Laura Janet followed at about 10.25 p.m. This lifeboat vanished into the darkness and none of her crew were seen alive again. The Southport lifeboat, Eliza Fernley was the last to enter the water at about 11.15 p.m. Her crew had been carted down the Southport beach and had launched the lifeboat opposite the Mexico. The Eliza Fernley struggled to reach the ship and disaster struck just as the lifeboat was drawing near. A huge wave, called by the local fishermen ‘green sea’, struck the Eliza Fernley, capsizing her. Some men were thrown clear into the stormy sea and some were trapped under the boat in icy darkness.
In the meantime, the Lytham lifeboat, Charles Biggs, had reached the Mexico and succeeded in rescuing the twelve man crew. The Charles Biggs made for home, reaching Lytham at about 3.30 a.m., to a heroes welcome. |
