The Worthing lifeboat story starts here with the Lalla Rookh disaster.

One of the most tragic events in Worthing's history occurred over 175 years ago, on 25^th November 1850, when a devastating storm sent shockwaves through the town.

Eleven of our brave fishermen set out in a small open boat to render assistance to the distressed barque Lalla Rookh, disabled in a severe gale three miles off the coast. Within sight of the three-masted trading ship, a huge wave overturned their small craft. All eleven men were washed away and perished.

Within hours, a second rescue was launched, and 24 Worthing fishermen went out on a lugger and successfully saved the vessel and its crew.

In total 35 men put to sea that day to rescue the Lalla Rookh, but only 24 returned.

Yet the selfless sacrifice of the Brave Eleven was not in vain. Their courage inspired the people of Worthing to establish an independent lifeboat station, a lasting legacy that has become an important part of the town's maritime history and heritage.

The Lalla Rookh disaster of 1850, one of the worst ever tragedies to strike Worthing, affected local families for generations.

Forty-eight dependants—widows, fatherless children and ageing parents—were left without financial support. A public appeal went nationwide and raised more than £5,000, an enormous sum at the time.

In 1853, three years after the disaster, a lifeboat was first stationed in Worthing. In 1865, the RNLI took over responsibility for the station, which served the town faithfully until 1930, when a motor lifeboat was stationed at nearby Shoreham harbour, five miles along the coast.
Then Worthing's traditional rowing and sailing lifeboat remained as the showpiece in Worthing's RNLI lifeboat house museum for 20 years.

In 2025, the 175th anniversary of the disaster was marked by a special remembrance service at St Mary's Broadwater Church, where the victims are buried.

It has now become an annual event, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Descendants of the 35 Worthing fishermen journey from across the UK and overseas to honour the courage and sacrifice of their ancestors.