Today is the 135th anniversary of the worst lifeboat disaster in history off the Southport coast

Today is the 135th anniversary of the worst lifeboat disaster in British history.

On the night of the 9th December 1886, a german barque called "The Mexico" got into distress off the coast of Southport.

Three Lifeboats from Southport, St Annes and Lytham set off in strong gale force conditions to rescue the 12 crew onboard.

The Lytham lifeboat, "Charles Biggs" successfully rescued the crew of the Mexico. Despite burning a green light to signal that they had saved the crew, the two other lifeboats were unaware of their accomplishment.

The Southport Lifeboat, "Eliza Fernley" arrived alongside the Mexico at 1am on the 10th December, shortly after the Lytham lifeboat had rescued the crew.

As the Southport Lifeboat was manouvering into position, a huge wage capsized her, ultimately costing 14 lives of the 16 crew onboard.

The St Annes Lifeboat, "Laura Janet" was not seen from until her wrekage washed up on Southport beach on the 10th December. All 13 of her crew drowned.

On this day, we remember those brave souls who lost their lives in the line of duty.

To save 12 strangers, 27 lifeboat men had lost their lives, leaving behind 16 widows and 47 fatherless children.