On Christmas Day in 1836 Redcar was in the grip of a strong ENE gale, whilst out at sea the crew of the Danish sailing brig The Caroline were desperately fighting the wind, sea and tide in an effort to keep their ship from foundering on the treacherous shore.

The crew were failing and the brig finally struck the notorious Redcar rocks…........., a tragedy was about to unfold and in the words of a witness: -

 

Dated 26th December 1836

​

“I witnessed yesterday one of the frequent distressing scenes to which a resident on this coast is subjected during onshore gales. The Danish brig Caroline of *Nalborg was seen driving fast to leeward notwithstanding all her endeavours to beat off, (the gale being from E.N.E. the first quarter flood) She struck upon the outer quarter of the Salt Scar (Redcar rocks) and the crew, nine in number, took to the rigging; a heavy sea floated the vessel and she drove over the rocks; at this period the men took to their boat in the apparent hope of succour from the shore, As the Redcar life boat was then on its way to them, manned by the intrepid pilots and fishermen of that place. The crew of the Danish vessel had not quitted her five minutes before a sea broke over their little boat and swept away all but two who were occasionally seen amongst the surf, as the boat though filled, did not capsize. The lifeboat held her gallant course amongst the breakers (notwithstanding she shipped three seas) and when a cry arose “she is alongside, they are saved!” a heavy sea broke over both boats and they were lost for some time to anxious spectators, and when the life boat was again visible she was at least 80 fathoms to leeward and driving fast to shore, her crew were much bruised and many bleeding from blows from the broken oars, the whole of which on one side were shivered. Nothing more was seen of the crew of the Danish vessel. and to our still greater regret, William Guy, (one of the Redcar pilots) who was standing up to throw a line was swept away".

 Google Books (The Nautical Magazine and Naval Chronicle for 1837)

 

*Aalborg

 

When writing the song I have been as faithful as possible to the tragic events

of the day.

​

​

​