Another 17th March

It was beautiful morning and with the prospect of a long day's work ahead I decided to take my camera for a walk. I headed out onto the cliffs at the north end of South Ronaldsay. Couldn't have asked for a more wonderful Spring morning. Sunny, warm and a light breeze. The fulmars were gliding along the cliff edge towards me to make sure I didn't get too close to their nests and the skylarks were signing loud and clear. The sky was clear and blue. The sea was calm and sparkling.

40 years ago it was a very different scene on this spot. This is what is left of the wreck of the Liberian ship the SS Irene, the ship that the Longhope Lifeboat was attempting to get to when it was lost in the Pentland Firth during a Force 9 gale on the 17th March 1969.

The Longhope Lifeboat disappeared around 9.30pm in mountainous seas and was found capsized the next day. The bodies of seven of the crew were on board. The eight was never found.

The crew of the Irene were luckier, the ship came aground and the coastguards were able to get the entire crew off with breeches buoy.

There's an evocative account of the disaster here but even standing looking at the wreck it is hard to imagine that night.

Anyone who has ever lived within spitting distance of the sea knows how much we rely on the Lifeboat crews to be there if we need them. I hope tonight they are all safe at home.