The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Duke of Kent in tribute to RNLI men who died in 1970 lifeboat tragedy
The Duke of Kent laid a wreath in memory of the Fraserburgh lifeboat disaster victims at a ceremony yesterday.
Edward, cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II and president of the RNLI, laid the tribute at the lifeboat station in the Buchan town along with Pat Owen, whose husband James Buchan died in the maritime tragedy more than 50 years ago.
The Fraserburgh lifeboat, the Duchess of Kent, capsized in gale-force winds on January 21 1970 while escorting another vessel to safety.
The duke spoke to Mrs Owen and the families of other crew members who died – John Stephen, James RS Buchan and William Hadden – as well as relatives of the sole survivor of the tragedy, John Jackson Buchan.
The fifth victim of the disaster was Fred Kirkness, whose body has never been found.
Speaking to Mrs Owen, the duke recalled their first meeting at the funeral more than 54 years ago.
At the time he led the procession of an estimated 10,000 mourners, met families of those who died and attended the funeral to pay his own respects.
The disaster happened the year after the duke succeeded both his mother and father as president of the RNLI.
Later the duke and Mrs Owen laid a wreath at the foot of the remembrance statue, while pipers played a lament.
Pipers also welcomed Edward into the station where he met and staff.
He also spoke to two of the former crew who had served on the lifeboat alongside the five volunteers who died in the disaster: Albert Sutherland and Victor Sutherland Snr.
The duke presented the lifeboat station with the first flag of the new patronage of the King, whom the RNLI announced earlier yesterday succeeds Queen Elizabeth II as patron of the charity.
RNLI chief executive, Mark Dowie, accompanied the duke on his visit.
He said: “Today was a very special day for the RNLI and the charity’s longstanding heritage with the royal family since our foundation in 1824.
“Fraserburgh was a fitting host for our president’s 55th anniversary visit, with so many personal connections between the Kent family and the station.
“The duke has provided unwavering support to the RNLI for 55 years.
“Our president’s warmth, generosity and understanding of our lifesaving work is incredibly valued by the charity and the time His Royal Highness spends with each volunteer is greatly
appreciated by the institution.
“We also welcomed the news of our new patron, King Charles III, and there was an immense sense of pride across the team as they became the first RNLI station to fly our new house flag featuring the King’s crown this afternoon.”
Edward presented three chairman’s letters of thanks to current crew of the lifeboat – coxswain Ethan Harris and crew members Stephen Brown and Shane
Richardson, as well as a chief executive’s commendation to Davy Sutherland, for the part they played in the rescue of four fishermen from a vessel that grounded and subsequently sank in October 2022.
Students from Fraserburgh Academy, who completed a six-week RNLI mini crew programme last summer, were also introduced to the duke.