Cumbrian Coastguard and RNLI teams have been remembering the Solway Harvester disaster 25 years later.

The Solway Harvester was a scallop dredger which tragically sank in the Irish Sea on January 11, 2000.

The vessel, carrying a crew of seven men aged between 17 and 29, was returning from fishing grounds near the Isle of Man when disaster struck during a severe storm. All seven crew members perished.

Cumbrian Rescue teams were called on to help search for the crew of the Solway Harvester.

Whitehaven Coastguard posted a short statement saying: “Remembering the sad and tragic events 25 years ago.”

While Workington RNLI said: “Today our thoughts and sympathy are very much with the families and friends of the crewmen of the Solway Harvester as we reflect on the sad events of 25 years ago. It is a day we will long remember.

“On the evening of 11 January 2000 the seven crewmen of the Scottish Ballantrae registered scallop dredger Solway Harvester drowned when their vessel sank off Isle of Man.

“The men were Skipper Andrew Mills (known as Craig), 29, his brother Robin Mills, 33, their cousin David Mills, 17, Martin Milligan, 26, John Murphy, 22, David Lyons, 18, and Wesley Jolly, 17. They were all from the Isle of Whithorn area of Dumfries and Galloway. may you all Rest In Peace.”

Millom Coastguard expanded on their remembrance post explaining their role on that night: “25 years ago tonight the Solway Harvester was lost off the Isle of Man, with seven souls on board including one of our own.

“We were turned out to search for a liferaft, which it was hoped had made it to the Cumbrian coast. It was an evil night with the wind blowing the rain horizontal on to land, stinging exposed skin.

“The wind was so strong we struggled to get out of the vehicle and walk on the beach. It was impossible to talk to each other due to wind noise, we walked leaning into the wind.

“They were the worst conditions the team has ever been out in. But, to a man, they scoured the shoreline for hours in the hope that a miracle would happen. Sadly, it was not to be. RIP”

The wreck was located shortly after the sinking, and the bodies of the crew were recovered when the vessel was raised later that year.

The disaster remains a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those working at sea, and the lives lost are still mourned 25 years later.