FORMER lifeboatman Dave Phillipson has been reunited with a souvenir of a shipwreck, evoking memories of a dramatic rescue 30 years ago.
He helped to salvage the national flag of the Netherlands from the Dutch Coaster Hendrika on May 4, 1973, with local fisherman, the late Cecil Picknett. It was the last ship to be wrecked off Redcar.
Cecil's daughter, Molly Whitehouse, discovered the flag during a clear out at home and it will be displayed when the town's old life boat, the Sir James Knott, is opened to the public at Kirkleatham Museum.
Mrs Whitehouse said: "I remember Dave and my father went off and found the flag and brought it back for of my children.
"I am more than pleased to be able to return it."
Mr Phillipson was an auxiliary coastguard on watch when the ship rolled over in the early hours of the morning after she ran aground.
"It will add another piece of history to the lifeboat's long and illustrious history," he said.
The Sir James Knott will be open for public viewing for its seventh season tomorrow afternoon then weekly from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 2pm to 4pm.
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