On Sunday 28 October 1838 twelve fishing vessels with a total of twenty-six men on board left Clovelly harbour, North Devon, for fishing grounds.
Only one vessel and its crew ever returned after a ferocious storm in the Bristol Channel.
This event led to the founding of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society early the following year.
The objective was to give relief and assistance to the widows and orphans of fishermen; and of mariners, members of the Society, who lose their lives by storms and shipwreck on any part of the coasts of the United Kingdom, while engaged in their lawful occupations; and also to render necessary assistance to such mariners, soldiers, or other poor persons as suffer shipwreck upon the said coasts.
The charity is active in supporting the seafaring community suffering hardship and distress.
Reference: Wikipedia