An old maritime tragedy

The Chapel of Our Lady of The Storms lies on top of the cliffs looking out across the North Sea. Within the sheltering walls of the kirkyard are the final resting places of men who made their living from these turbulent waters. Many of them lost their lives at sea.
Close to the Chapel, this prominent memorial commemorates the crew of the Stonehaven lifeboat, St George, who died on February 27th, 1874, whilst going to the aid of the barque, Grace Darling. When distress signals were spotted, the crew launched the lifeboat in mountainous seas and rowed frantically to help the barque, which was being swept northwards along the coast. Unable to overtake the barque the crew had to abandon the mission at Aberdeen, having rowed and sailed some 20 miles from their starting point. Tragically the lifeboat capsized as it attempted to enter Aberdeen harbour with the loss of the coxswain and three other crew members.