Preparing to mark anniversary of rescue

A boat operator is gearing up for the 180th anniversary of Grace Darling's famous rescue of the survivors of the wreck of the Forfarshire off the Farne Islands.
George Shiel with his boat, Golden Gate.George Shiel with his boat, Golden Gate.
George Shiel with his boat, Golden Gate.

Boatman George Shiel, who has the only licence issued by Trinity House to land on Longstone and visit Grace’s home in the lighthouse from which she made the rescue with her father, is getting everything ready for an expected surge of visitors this year.

“We are getting inquiries from schools already,” he said.

“The story is told in not only Northumbrian schools, but all over the country and we have even had visitors from Germany and Australia to the lighthouse, whose children have studied the story at school.”

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It’s that time of year again when his boat, Golden Gate, is taken out of the water onto the quayside at Seahouses Harbour to be repainted, varnished and given a general overhaul and maintenance.

George added: “We’re also stocking up on dog biscuits For on board as the word has got around that we’re also the only boat that allows dogs to land on the islands.”

For information on Golden Gate Boat Trips, visit www.discoverthefarneislands.co.ukGrace Darling achieved worldwide fame for her act of outstanding courage, as she and her father William rowed out in a coble from Longstone lighthouse to save nine people.

She was declared a heroine, but desperately wished to turn her back on all the fuss and attention. Her health began to decline and she died in 1842 – just six years after the rescue – from tuberculosis.