Volume Eight - Pre-Victorian to the present day - more aspects - Storms and their effects . . .

In connection with this disaster it is a general feeling amongst nautical men who witnessed the rolling in of the sea towards Penarth beach on Tuesday night, that the life boat station was placed in the worst possible position. Indeed it was questioned whether it was in the limits of possibility for any crew to have reached the wreck from the Penarth shore. On the other hand the advantages of having the life-boat at the pier head (Cardiff) are so great that we fell assured that it must ultimately be removed if it is to be of any service to the port. On the night in question, had the boat been at Cardiff, she could have been tugged out and placed almost close to the wreck, and would, in all probability, have been the means of saving both vessels.

Then there is the other advantage of always having an abundance of men willing to man her at a moments notice, which in itself is a powerful argument in favour of a change. We hope the subject will receive the attention of the public, for there is a growing opinion that the life-boat in her present position is practically useless.' - Cardiff Times [019] [361] 22nd May 1863.

The first lifeboat at Penarth dating from 1861 was named after its donor, 'George Gay'. It served until 1868 but had a name change in 1865 to 'Baroness Windsor'. From 1861 James Bryon was the chief officer with 5 men. There were indeed launching problems for the crews, particularly at low tide where the foreshore was 'flat and uneven, soft and uncertain.' [385] [386]

• July 1890 - A Vessel Ashore at Penarth - 'The smack 'Jenny', of Beaumaris, Captain Morgan, during the gale which prevailed on Monday evening, was driven ashore on Penarth Beach, under Penarth Head, and is likely to remain there for a considerable time.' - The Western Mail [138] [361] 9th July 1890.

• October 1892 - Run Ashore at Penarth - 'On Wednesday night the 'Lovely Susan', of Gloucester, a trow, laden with timber, sprang a leak out in the Penarth Roads during the gale which raged. There were only three hands on board, including the captain, and whilst the pumps were going, sail was spread, and she was run ashore on the mud off Penarth Pier, when she at once capsized. The crew were, fortunately, saved.' - South Wales Daily News [325] [361] 28th October 1892.