by Robert Bell

Another well-known tragedy in the town is the event, which happened on the 17th November 1962. The Lifeboat George Elmy, whilst out assisting the coble ‘Economy’ which was in distress on the coast of Seaham. Having rescued five crew from the cobble, on re-entering the harbour, it capsized in stormy seas. All five crew of the Lifeboat and four from the coble were lost, only one survived.

The Lifeboat was washed ashore on the beach at Dawdon. The only survivor of the tragedy was Donald Burrell who died in 1992 and had his ashes put into the sea at Seaham.

Digitised by Mr and Mrs Trotter