A STATUE in memory of eight Hoylake lifeboatment who lost their lives in a heroic rescue bid in December 200 years ago has been unveiled.

More than 100 people gathered outside the new lifeboat station for the dedication ceremony this morning.

Among them were relatives of the men who perished in a fierce storm on December 22, 1810, while attempting to rescue a ship called “Traveller”, which had been driven ashore in the Mersey.

The bronze statue was unveiled by Hoylake Lifeboat coxswain Dave Whiteley. The statue is the creation of local sculptor Paul Bearman and represents Joseph Bennett, who was lifeboat coxswain at the time of the tragedy and survived. It depicts him standing at the helm of the boat as it sinks.

Station operations manager John Curry told the Globe: “No other time in our lifetime would have been as good as this day - the bicentenary.

“We made it and I’m delighted and very proud to have been part of this historic occasion.

“The memorial's fundraising appeal coincided with the appeal for the new lifeboat station. We are overjoyed by the generosity of so many people, not just in Wirral but the United Kingdom.”

While the rescue and subsequent loss of life is well known, it was only through research carried out in 2004 that full details of the event and names of those who died, with the exception of one, were verified.

They were John Bird aged 40, his sons Henry, 18, and John, 16, and nephew Henry Bird, 18.

In addition were Joseph Hughes, aged 28, his brother Richard, 36, and Richard’s son Thomas Hughes, 16. It has not been possible to verify the identity of the eigth man.

The Naval Chronicle recorded at the time that Hoylake lifeboat, attempting to help the stricken ship Traveller, had been overwhelmed by a "dreadful sea" and eight out of 10 of her crew had drowned. Their bodies were found the same day and carried to their homes.

Hoylake Lifeboat Station only became aware of the tragedy after research by their historian Peter Fitsgerald, a former lifeboatman.

The Hoylake 1810 Memorial Fund was set up in November last year and has raised £30,000 for the statue.

The memorial service was conducted by Rev Canon Bob Evans MBE, a former Port Chaplain. Musical accompaniment was provided by Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass band.

John Bird's great-great-great-great grandaughter Linda Camm, was among those who attended the ceremony.

Mrs Camm, who lives in Moreton, said: “It was a very emotional day for me and I’m very proud to have been able to attend. My mum died a year ago and I just wish she could have been here to see it. It was wonderful to find out about my heritage.”