Silver Medal 1860/61

The Society’s Silver Medal was awarded to Captain Abraham Martin of the brigantine Albion of Guernsey for his skill, humanity and courage in rescuing 10 crew from the Jane of Whitby and the Superb of Yarmouth, during a very severe gale and cross sea on 27th & 29th October 1860.

A letter was read from Mr Waddington Esq enclosing (per order of Sir George Lewis, Secretary of State) to the Royal Humane Society, which not coming within the rules, was sent on to this Institution, a letter from the President of the Chamber of Commerce forwarded through the Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey calling attention to the gallant conduct of Captain Abraham Martin of the brigantine Albion of Guernsey in saving the crew, 10 in number of the Jane of Whitby and of the Superb of Yarmouth.

It appeared that these gallant services in the cause of humanity were rendered during a very severe gale and cross sea on the 27th and 29th of October 1860, in the North Sea when much nautical skill was exhibited by Captain Martin in handling his vessel. He made six attempts to pick up the small boat of the Albion under charge of the Captain of the Jane who volunteered to make one attempt to go to the help of the Captain, his wife (nearly exhausted) and crew of the Superb, and with great difficulty accomplished their errand of mercy. Another vessel, a foreigner, ran by them the same day leaving them to perish. It was stated also that Captain Martin had under Providence been the means of rescuing five crews. The Silver Medal of the Institution is awarded to Captain Abraham Martin for the humanity and courage displayed by him on these occasions.