And this week, the community of Wells will pause to remember the 11 lifeboatmen who lost their lives 145 years ago.

At noon on October 29, 1880, the town's lifeboat Eliza Adams was launched into a fierce gale to assist the brig Sharon’s Rose, which had run ashore on nearby Holkham beach.

Battling heavy seas, the crew successfully rescued seven sailors and returned safely - drenched, exhausted, but triumphant - to Wells Quay.

The Eliza Adams (Image: Wells RNLI)

As they arrived back, a second distress flag was sighted from the brig Ocean Queen, anchored east of the harbour entrance in worsening conditions.

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

By this time, Ocean Queen had parted her cable and was driven onto the sands. Unable to render assistance, the order was given to the Eliza Adams to turn around for home.

Around fifteen........

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