Marking 100 years since historic rescue off the coast of Essex

Lifeboat crews at Walton on the Naze in Essex have been marking the 100th anniversary of one of the most dangerous rescues in their history.

Amidst 10 foot waves and in the pitch black of night 92 people were rescued from the SS Peregrine, which had run aground on a sandbank 12 miles off the coast.

The ship was full of war-time refugees from Rotterdam, on its way to London. Battling force ten gales, and 10 metre high waves it took the crew 6 hours to reach the Peregrine on board the James Stevens.

After three hours at the scene all 92 passengers, crew and 2 cats were safe.

Now the James Stevens has a more sedate lifestyle, taking visitors around the back waters of Walton.

Volunteers have raised 250-thousand pounds to ensure the lifeboat and its stories are kept alive.