‘Stella Marie Rescue’
In August 1941, during World War II, the Fleetwood crew carried out a dramatic rescue of the Faroese schooner Stella Marie, which had run aground in rough seas on the King Scar sandbank near Wyre Light. Loaded with fish vital to Britain’s wartime food supply, the vessel was in distress, but Admiralty officials delayed rescue approval. When finally cleared, Coxswain Jeffrey Wright and his crew aboard the Ann Letitia Russell faced dangerous conditions. Despite severe damage to their lifeboat and a near-capsizing, they successfully rescued all eight crew members. For their bravery, Wright and motor mechanic Syd Hill—whose engine work proved crucial—were awarded Silver Medals.
Fleetwood Lifeboats Past 