Remembering a tragedy that changed Torbay forever

Today marks one of the greatest maritime tragedies not only for Torbay but for the entire nation. However, this day also commemorates the inception of one of the Bay's important institutions: the RNLI.

Referred to locally as the 'Great Gale,' the storm that ravaged the evening of Wednesday, January 10, 1866 resulted in the destruction of approximately 60 vessels and claimed the lives of over 100 sailors. Reports from that time suggested that, after the storm abated, one could traverse the coastline from Brixham to Paignton by walking across the wreckage of ships.

During this period, Brixham had emerged as one of England's pivotal fishing ports, hosting numerous visiting vessels alongside a multitude of local boats. Before January 10, a prolonged spell of adverse weather had persisted, but by the afternoon, it seemed the worst had passed. Many ships seeking refuge in the calmer waters of Torbay chose to resume their journeys.

However, by 9pm, the storm unleashed its fury. The south-easterly direction of the gale meant that there was nowhere to hide. Skippers attempted to flee the bay to evade the perilous rocks. One skipper, whose ship was wrecked, recounted how his sails were torn apart the moment he set sail.

In a bid to guide ships into the harbour, the women of Brixham constructed a colossal bonfire at the end of the breakwater, using anything combustible. Some fishermen likened the fire to an angel during the storm, giving the women of Brixham the name "The Brixham Angels."

These women not only assisted in guiding the ships but also extended their aid to the rescued sailors, providing food and shelter. Unfortunately, the nearest lifeboat in Teignmouth was dealing with the storm there. The next day, Teignmouth lifeboat was hauled 10 miles to Torquay Strand by a team of men and horses to aid two surviving ships, but for most, it was too late.

The aftermath revealed the extent of the devastation. Only a few vessels had survived, and for five ships, no remnants were ever discovered. Over the following weeks, corpses continued to wash ashore in Torbay and the surrounding areas, many of them in such a bad way that identification relied on items such as rings.

Mr. Milton, the coastguard at the time, expressed his horror during an inquiry into the tragedy. Despite the court's conclusion that a lifeboat in Brixham could have done little to help due to the storm's strength and direction, the absence of a lifeboat in Torbay became glaringly apparent.

Within months, £600 was raised and donated to the RNLI to establish Brixham's own lifeboat station. The new lifeboat, named the 'City of Exeter,' underwent construction and testing on the River Exe, with its launch attended by thousands. Later that year, the 'City of Exeter' was delivered to Brixham and the town's inaugural lifeboat station was established in the town center at Bolton Cross.

While the station has since relocated to the breakwater, the town has maintained a lifeboat ever since. In 1924, it was renamed Torbay Lifeboat Station to serve the entire area.

A lasting memorial to the men lost in the storm stands to this day, overlooking a mass grave in St Mary's churchyard.