The SS Alba ran aground on the rocks of the Island in 1938. Apparently the ship was in no immediate danger of sinking but nevertheless the decision was made to take the crew and passengers off.

The lifeboat was called out and evacuated the ship but in the dark and stormy conditions the boat overturned on its way back. All the passengers survived but two of the Alba's crew drowned saving the passengers.

As you can see, the crew of the St. Ives lifeboat also survived but less than a year later fate was tempted once too often:-

..... the present Coxswain of the St. Ives lifeboat is Tommy Cocking, the great-grandson and grandson, respectively of the Coxswain, Thomas Cocking and crewman John B. Cocking, who were lost in the 1939 lifeboat disaster.

Tommy followed in his father's footsteps, who also served with distinction as crewman and coxswain of the St. Ives lifeboat before retiring

If you want to know more about the history and stories of the St. Ives lifeboat you will have to come to St. Ives and look for them yourself. Oh, there are stories but they are not told merely for the asking.

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