Sennen Cove History
1853 The lifeboat station was established and the boathouse was built at the head of the beach.
1864 The boathouse was rebuilt for the station’s new lifeboat.
1868 Silver Medals were awarded to Coxswain M Nichols and Coastguard Officer S Morrison for the rescue of the only survivor of the lighter Devon.
1876 A new boathouse was built on the landward side of the cover road. Lifeboats at this time were carriage launched.
1896 A boathouse, carriage house and slipway were built.
1909 A Silver Medal was awarded to Coxswain Henry Nicholas for the service to the ship Fairport.
1919 A new slipway was built for the station’s first motor lifeboat, which was launched by trolley.
A Silver Medal and three Bronze Medals were awarded for the rescue of eight crew from the wrecked steamship Falmouth Castle.
Silver Medals were awarded to Coxswain Henry Nicholas and Second Coxswain Thomas Pender and Bronze Medals to 12 crew members for rescuing eight people from a motor launch. Henry Nicholas Jnr, crew member at the age of 17, received a Bronze Medal. He became coxswain of the lifeboat in 1959.
1923 The station was adapted for the motor lifeboat.
1953 A Centenary Vellum was awarded to the station.
1964 A second Bronze Medal was awarded to Coxswain Henry Nicholas for the rescue of five crew of five from the burning Belgian trawler Victoire Roger.
1978 A Silver Medal was posthumously awarded to Coxswain/Mechanic H E Pengilly when the lifeboat was launched to search for the coaster Union Crystal. The coaster subsequently sank and one survivor was picked up by helicopter. Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellums were awarded to the six lifeboat crew.
1979 A special framed certificate was awarded to the Coxswain and crew for their services to several yachts in difficulties during the Fastnet Race on 14 August.
1981 A Silver Medal was awarded to Coxswain/Mechanic Maurice Hutchens when the lifeboat rescued seven crew from the Icelandic coaster Tungufoss. The coaster eventually sank.
1991 The new Mersey class lifeboat, The Four Boys, arrived on station.
1994 An inshore, D class, lifeboat was sent to the station for one season’s evaluation.
1995 An inshore lifeboat (ILB) station was permanently established.
A Bronze Medal was awarded to Coxswain Terence George when, together with the Penlee lifeboat, the Sennen Cove lifeboat assisted in the rescue of five people and the saving of the fishing vessel Julian Paul.
1996 A new D class lifeboat was placed on service.
1999 The boathouse was adapted and the new Tyne class lifeboat arrived in January.
2003 The station was awarded an Anniversary Vellum to commemorate 150 years of lifesaving.
Station honours
At Sennen Cove lifeboat station the following awards have been made:
Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum 6
Bronze Medal 17
Silver Medal 8
