English: Big Harcar, Farne Islands. This is where the paddle-steamer 'Forfarshire' ran aground on 7th September 1838 after its engines failed in the North Sea. The ship was broken in two - of the 61 crew and passengers, 43 lost their lives, 9 took to a life-raft and were rescued next day farther down the coast - and the remaining 9 were saved by Grace Darling and her father, keeper of the Longstone Light. As day dawned, Grace saw the wreck from her home on Longstone, and persuaded her father, against his better judgment, that they should take to the raging seas and attempt the rescue of any survivors. The two rowed out to the wreck, and Grace held the coble steady whilst her Dad got the 9 people onboard. (Having been out here today, on a 'calm' sea in fair weather on a powered boat, the amazingly-courageous physical and mental effort involved in the rescue really hits home.) Grace, aged 22, won the first RNLI medal to be awarded to a woman, and Queen Victoria sent her £50 as a mark of respect of her heroism ..... but sadly only 4 years later, Grace died of tuberculosis. See 1263594 and 1263588.