Town to remember Eliza Adams disaster on 145th anniversary.

It was one of the darkest days in this north Norfolk town’s maritime history. This week, the community of Wells will remember the 11 lifeboatmen who died 145 years ago.

On October 29, 1880, at midday, the town’s lifeboat Eliza Adams was launched into a severe wind to help the ship Sharon’s Rose, which had come ashore on adjacent Holkham Beach.

Despite the severe seas, the crew successfully rescued seven sailors and returned safely to Wells Quay, drenched, fatigued, but proud.

The Eliza Adams (Image: Wells RNLI)

As they returned, a second distress flag was seen from the brig Ocean Queen, which was anchored east of the port entrance in deteriorating weather.

After the eight crew members were replaced, the Eliza Adams launched again, towed by the steam tug Promise, around 3.30pm.

By this point, Ocean Queen had severed her cable and been driven onto the sand. Unable to assist, the Eliza Adams was instructed to return home.

Around fifteen minutes later, disaster struck.

Eliza Adams and the lifeboat house before the tragedy in 1880 (Image: Newsquest)

A massive wave crashed over the Eliza Adams, capsized her, and drove her mast into the sand, trapping it and preventing the boat from self-righting.

Twelve crew members were washed overboard, and eleven died.

One of the two survivors remained stuck inside the inverted boat, tangled in the rigging, until the mast snapped and the lifeboat righted itself. The other survivor managed to cling to the rudder and was eventually washed ashore.

Mel Catton, chairman of Wells Town Council, stated that “the story of the Eliza Adams is woven into the history of our town and into the hearts of our community.”

“Those eleven men demonstrated incredible bravery and a strong sense of duty to others.” The catastrophe left ten women widowed and 28 children without a parent.

At the time, the RNLI donated £1,000 to a local fund for the dependents and covered the funeral costs.

Thomas Kew, one of two survivors of the Eliza Adams tragedy, is depicted close to the memorial.

He initiated an effort to fund a memorial for the lost crew. (Image via Newsquest) Years later, surviving Captain Thomas Kew issued a poignant public petition for a memorial to his slain crewmates.

A memorial was later built opposite the old lifeboat building at the start of the beach road, and it still exists today as a permanent testament to their bravery. It serves as a permanent memorial of the Eliza Adams crew’s valiant efforts and sacrifice.

On Wednesday, October 29, Wells RNLI will pause to remember the men who died 145 years ago.

Flowers will be set at the town’s memorial to commemorate the occasion and recognise the bravery of those who gave their lives in service to others.

Flowers will be laid at the memorial in Wells (Image: Wells RNLI)

Chris Hardy, lifeboat operations manager at Wells RNLI, said: “Each year, we remember the crew of the Eliza Adams and the incredible sacrifice they made.

“Their bravery and feeling of responsibility in the face of severe peril continue to inspire every volunteer who works at Wells today.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those men; they embody the very spirit of the RNLI, which is one of bravery, selflessness, and service to others.”

Mrs. Catton continued: “As the RNLI lay flowers in their memory, we remember not only their sacrifice but the strength and resilience of their families and of Wells itself.”

The memory also serves as a reflection on the lifeboatmen’s selflessness, the lasting legacy of their sacrifice, and the ongoing dedication of RNLI volunteers.

The Eliza Adams (Image: Wells RNLI)

 

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