The Mexico left Liverpool on 5th December 1886 bound for Ecuador, South America, but in gale force winds and squally snow showers ran aground on treacherous sandbanks in the Ribble estuary. Although Lytham's lifeboat successfully rescued those on board, the entire crew of the St Annes lifeboat and all but two of the Southport lifeboat were lost when their vessels capsized whilst attempting to help the stricken ship in heavy seas.

The disaster shocked the nation. It was, and still remains, the worst in the history of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and had far-reaching effects both on lifeboat design and on charity fundraising. Seeking to help those widowed and orphaned by the tragedy, Sir Charles Macara, a Manchester businessman who lived in St Annes, initiated Lifeboat Saturday, the first ever organised street collection for charity.

The exhibition tells the story of those brave men, their lifeboats, and the aftermath of the disaster, and runs from 15th November until 11th December 2011 at Lytham Heritage Centre, 2 Henry Street, Lytham, FY8 5LE, from 10am - 4pm (closed Mondays). Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Details of the open evening here

Pictures from the exhibition...