100 Years Since first rescue at sea using Morse

[steve Coombs]

On the Friday, 23 01 2009 edition of the BBC Radio 4 Today Programme there was a brief piece that explained it was a hundred years ago that the first lives were saved using Morse/Wireless. There was in interview with David Barlow of the ROA who told what the anniversary was all was about.

I recorded the extract, anyone can download from the link below if intrested-Its quite short

Download interview using link below
http://rapidshare.com/files/189380471/First_wireless_rescue.mp3

[K urgess]

Actually 110 years, Steve
http://www.ramsgatelifeboat.org.uk/first-radio-distress-call.htm
But most quote the Republic as the first.

[steve Coombs]

Oh is it, I just repeated the Today programme and the guy from Radio Officers Association did they get it wrong?

[steve Coombs]

Yes i see what you mean from your link

[K urgess]

Probably got it right, Steve.
The Republic was the first instance of the saving of life by the actions of the radio officer of the vessel involved.
The instance I quoted was the first time it was used to warn of a ship in trouble. Fortunately in that instance the ship refloated herself so you could say that no lives were saved by radio.
I always thought it unusual that nothing happened in the years between 1899 and 1909.
Cheers
Kris

[andysk]

Take a look at :

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/7846590.stm

for the BBC story.