Generations of Broughty Ferry residents came together today to mark the 60th anniversary of the sinking of the Mona lifeboat.
The tragic vessel was launched to assist the North Carr Lightship in St Andrews Bay on December 8 1959 but capsized in treacherous weather conditions. All eight crewmen died in the shipwreck, including a father and son.
The current crew of Broughty Ferry RNLI joined family and friends of those who died and local residents at St James Church on Fort Street to pay their respects.
RNLI mechanic Scott Huggins, second coxswain Peter Hay and launch operations manager Simon Mortlock were among those to speak at the memorial.
The service honoured the lives of coxswain Ronald Grant, George Smith, Alexander Gall, father and son John Grieve and John T Grieve, George Watson, James Ferrier and David Anderson.
Reverend Dr Robert Calvert, who conducted the service, believes the tragedy still resonates deeply with local people and offers lessons in how to deal with loss.
He said: “I think these services are very important for the local community and I hope we can keep them going for as long as we can.
“I have met so many people over the past week who’ve told me they knew someone who died on the Mona. That might have been a friend of a friend but I think almost everyone here has been affected in some way.
“The cost of human lives lost has to be measured against the lives saved, and I believe the Mona saved some 118 people in its time. I think we have to remember that when we look back.
“60 years ago people were lined along the street here to pay their respects because everyone knew one of the men who died.
“People living in Broughty Ferry still associate with the lifeboat and this particular tragedy. Local people never forget, it’s part and parcel of the story of the community here.”
The Mona’s last message was recorded at 4.48am, notifying that they were heading south on the Tay. The vessel never reached the North Carr Lightship, whose crew was ultimately rescued by helicopter.
The lightship was moored off Fife Ness until 1975. It was then moved to Anstruther, where it was used as a museum before being brought to Dundee.
Local residents and family members of the men who died used the memorial service to share their memories, both in person and on social media. A number noted the lasting impact the tragedy has had on their lives.
One woman said: “I remember the dark days that followed. Few Ferry folk didn’t know a crew member.
“The Grieve men were father and son and the daughter/sister were in my class at the Grove. There was a wonderful community response to help the families affected. It was an unforgettable sad time.
“Such brave men. I watch our lifeboat where I live now when there is a shout and my prayers for a safe return go with them.”
