167. The Princess Victoria: Jim Brown

Jim Brown on the boyhood tragedy that inspired his lifelong commitment to the RNLI

On 1 February 1953, a 10-year-old boy stood with his father and younger brother and watched as 13 bodies were brought to shore by the Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat. The 13 recovered were among 133 lost in the Princess Victoria ferry disaster the day before, when more than 30 passengers were rescued by the lifeboat crew as the ferry sank 7 miles east of Belfast Lough.

The 10-year-old boy watching on was Jim Brown, who would go on to hold a host of roles in the RNLI, including being President of Portaferry Lifeboat Station and a Youth Education Volunteer for Donaghadee RNLI – hear him reflect on what was a life-changing experience.

200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI   

Interview by Adventurous Audio

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