113. Twist of Fate: Robin Smith

When the RNLI lifeboat Mona capsized, all eight crew members were lost. Robin Smith should’ve been on it

In 1959, Robin Smith - who at the time was on the crew at Broughty Ferry RNLI - was due to go out on the Mona lifeboat. As he was getting the lifeboat ready for launch, the ex-coxswain arrived. But as it was the new coxswain’s first call out, it was tradition for the ex-coxswain to go with the crew. So Robin stepped back. And it was that tradition that saved his life.

Tragically, the Mona capsized, with all eight crew members losing their lives. Hear Robin talk about what happened on that fateful day, including how the last-minute change of plan was the difference between life and death.

This is Robin’s personal description of the disaster at Broughty Ferry, based on his memories.

200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI   

Interview by the RNLI's Isobel Noctor

Soundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls   

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200