Henry Freeman was the sole survivor after his lifeboat capsized and was awarded a silver medal for his bravery, today sees a sculpture in his honour unveiled in Whitby.
The lifeboat disaster happened in 1861, Henry Freeman survived as he was the only crew member wearing the new style of cork lifejacket. He went on to save many more lives at sea.
A life size wire sculpture of Henry Freeman has been installed.
The Khyber Pass area, adjacent to the lifeboat museum and shop was an unused grassy area but has been transformed by North Yorkshire Council.
Station mechanic, Richard Dowson had the idea for the sculpture after seeing a trail of similar work around the town that celebrate Whitby's heritage:
The work's been created by artist Emma Stothard.
The area where the sculpture will stand is particularly poignant as it is the site of the town's first lifeboat station in 1802, before it was demolished to create a road in 1842, and moved to what is now the lifeboat museum.
Richard, Whitby RNLI's station mechanic added:
Lesley Jackson nee Freeman has her own charity named after Henry Freeman that supports young creative people on the coast, the Freeman 1st Foundation.
Lesley said:
'I felt compelled to make this personal donation when I read about the RNLI's plans. How better to help celebrate the brave people who save lives at sea than by creating a permanent reminder of one of the bravest.'
Artist Emma Stothard who created sculpture in her Whitby studio said:
'I am absolutely honoured and thrilled to be creating a life size sculpture of Henry Freeman in celebration of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary here in Whitby.
Thanks to the wonderful photographs by Frank Meadow Sutcliffe I can recreate in detail the lifesaving cork life jacket and clothing he wore. I hope visitors will enjoy learning more about how the RNLI here in Whitby changed the course of history in saving lives at sea.'
Other local businesses have offered to help with the installation costs of the sculpture including Neil Trillo.
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