Services by RNLB Thomas Black

Ketch "John Perry" - 12 Jan 1899

The lifeboats first effective service came on the 12th January 1899, when at noon reports were received of a vessel in Derbyhaven Bay flying distress signals. The 'Thomas Black' was taken on her carriage to Derbyhaven, where she was launched and was successful in saving the crew of three men from the ketch 'John Perry', of and from Beaumaris, bound for Ayr with a cargo of slates. A whole gale was blowing from the WSW and the sea was very heavy. In fact, the weather was the worst ever experienced by the lifeboatmen, and in recognition of their admirable services on this occasion an extra reward was granted to them by the Institution.

Steamer "Sarah Blanche" - 23 Feb 1905

At about 11pm on 23rd February signals indicating a vessel in distress were observed from Langness lighthouse. The lifeboat was launched and on reaching Langness Point found the steamer 'Sarah Blanche' of Douglas, on the rocks. The crew had abandoned her and were in their boats with their effects. The Coxswain of the 'Thomas Black' persuaded them to return, and having put some of the lifeboat crew on board, they succeeded in getting the steamer off the rocks and took her into Castletown Harbour.

Steamer "Resource" - 13 Nov 1911

Five years elapsed before the next recorded service. This was to the steamer 'Resource' which ran aground in fog at Pooilvash on the 13th November 1911. Both Castletown and Port St Mary lifeboats attended the scene together with Castletown Rocket Brigade. The lifeboats were not able to render any effective help and were released to return to their stations.

Brigantine "Albion" - 6 Feb 1912

Three months later the 'Thomas Black' was called to go to the assistance of a brigantine reported in trouble at Langness. On the 6th February a message was received stating that a vessel was quickly drifting ashore on the east side of Langness with her sails all gone. At 6.38 p.m., on receipt of the message, the lifeboat was taken by road to Derbyhaven and launched in a heavy se. The vessel proved to be the brigantine 'Albion' of Portsmouth, bound from Poole to Ellesmere Port. It was found that she had struck rocks and was then at anchor. As the vessel was likely to become a total wreck the crew of seven men were rescued. A strong SE wind was blowing which necessitated great care being exercised in getting alongside, and it was with difficulty that the rescue was carried out owing to the men being in an exhausted condition. They were landed at Derbyhaven and later the lifeboat was taken back to her station under sail.