RNLI helmsman proudly follows in wake of his late fisherman father
Twenty years ago the villagers of Clovelly were shocked by the loss of two local fishermen.
On November 12, 1998, the Clovelly fishing boat the “Blue Hooker” was lost, claiming the lives of Mark Gist, 34, and David McBride, 54.
Mark Gist also served as senior helm on the Clovelly lifeboat.
Now, 20 years on, Mark’s son Sam has spoken about his father and about his own decision to become a lifeboatman.
Sam, a helmsman with the RNLI Clovelly lifeboat crew, said: “I lived just two doors down from the Clovelly Lifeboat Station during my early childhood. It has always been a part of my life and it runs in my blood.
“My dad was a Clovelly fisherman who, along with his friend, lost his life on a fishing trip in rough seas when I was six.
“My dad and two of my uncles played big roles at the station. As soon as I was old enough to join as crew I was there and I’ve been there ever since.
“Part of what makes the crew at Clovelly so special is the pride and passion of the all volunteer crew, a crew that I am honoured to be a part of.
“I am now a helmsman and the crew are like my family (some are my family!).
“When I am on the boat I feel a strong connection to my dad. He was also a helmsman of the Clovelly lifeboat whilst it was a privately run station in the early 1990s and when it became a part of the RNLI, and he remains my inspiration.
“This year marks 20 years since my dad passed away but his presence is always with me. There is not a single time I set foot into the station without looking up to my hero watching over us.”
Dan Garnett who still lives in the village, was a friend and fellow crewman and remembers: “Mark was Clovelly. A real Clovelly fisherman and lifeboatman. I am proud to served with him. He had respect in the village and at sea. His legacy lives on.”
Twenty years ago the desperate hunt for Mark Gist and David McBride lasted 28 hours before it was called off.
At its height the search involved an RAF rescue helicopter, two coastguard rescue teams and two lifeboats.
Wreckage from the “Blue Hooker”, including a section from the wheelhouse and personal items, were found early in the search after the vessel
‘When I am on the boat I feel a strong connection to my dad’
Sam Gist
was reported as overdue in port.
At the time the Coastguard said it was feared the tragedy was caused by a sudden change in the weather which made conditions at sea “absolutely deplorable”.