Torrey Canyon Aluminium Lifeboats

[Catch Kees]

Hello, I am researching the aluminium lifeboats from the Torrey Canyon. Does anyone have information on the whereabouts of any of these lifeboats?

I have tracked down one of the lifeboats, but I believe there was another on tied up in Courtmacsherry, Co Cork around 1978, but her current whereabouts are unknown. Perhaps there are other lifeboats???
Any information or photos of these lifeboats would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks and regards,
Catch Kees

[Louis the Amigo]

Hi shipmates, hi catch kees, the last time some of the lifeboats were bought by a farmer, in the west country going back a few years? maybe for scrap? I do not know the reason.

[Jim Brady]

Did she have more than two lifeboats????just asking.
Regards.
Jim.B.

[Catch Kees]

Did she have more than two lifeboats????just asking.
Regards.
Jim.B.

From the photos taken before the Torrey Canyon sank it looks like there were at least 2 lifeboats still attached and they likely sank with her. So, yes, more than 2 lifeboats.

I have an account of 2 lifeboats being seen subsequently around 1978, I tracked down one of them, and question is whether anyone knows where I might find the other one.

[Catch Kees]

Hi shipmates, hi catch kees, the last time some of the lifeboats were bought by a farmer, in the west country going back a few years? maybe for scrap? I do not know the reason.

That's interesting Louis, any chance you know how I could get in touch with the buyer?

[Louis the Amigo]

Hi shipmates, Hi catch kees Sorry I just remember a story in a west country paper years ago? I think the life boat were dumped in a field, did all tankers have aluminium life boats? sorry but thats all I can remember. dont know the farmer who bought it? maybe more that one? but good luck on your quest.

[happy daze john in oz]

There was an article on the net about two years ago about one of the life boats.
Not sure but think it was about the one in Ireland.

[John Arton]

Don't know if this is relevant or even correct, but it seems to indicate that there was only one lifeboat left after the disaster. As the Torrey Canyon was an amidships bridge/accommodation housing with aft engine room and accommodation, she would have carried 4 lifeboat, two amidships and two aft, as a minimum. As the crew were taken off by helicopter and the RNLI after the grounding, then the subsequent strafing and bombing of the vessel in an attempt to set fire to the remaining cargo, could mean that the lifeboats were destroyed barring the single one mentioned.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_Pollution_Act_of_1990
rgds
JA

[Catch Kees]

Thanks for the link John, very interesting information on the Oil Pollution Act and the legislation brought in subsequent to the Torrey Canyon oil spill. It does seem to indicate there was only one remaining lifeboat. However the anecdotal evidence suggests a second one, so I will continue searching for clues!!

[Catch Kees]

Hello All,
Would anyone know what these markings mean? Thanks
MerchantNavyIMG_7212.jpg