Surge took sea to lifeboat museum

By Janey Doyle
BBC News, Norfolk

Cromer Pier is hit by the rough seas (Pic Keith J Deacon)

The storm surge hit the north Norfolk coast at about 0800 GMT.

A combination of gale-force winds and a high tide led to Cromer being battered by rough seas.

Emergency crews however, were relieved when the county escaped without the predicted widespread damage and flooding.

At Cromer's £1.8m RNLI museum though, it was a different story.

The surge had torn the boat doors of the museum off, allowing water and sand to flood in.

Since then, volunteers have been working to secure the Henry Blogg Museum, nestled next to the beach at the end of the town's promenade, ahead of the next high tide.

We're going to talk to the council about improving the flood defences Jackie Palmer, museum manager

Manager Jackie Palmer said the museum had been prepared for the high tide, but couldn't stop all the damage.

"We heard from the coastguard yesterday at about 1400 GMT and had sandbags and took measures to avoid any damage," she said.

"Unfortunately it hit straight into the promenade and, perhaps the wind more than the tide, managed to push the doors down and right into the museum.

"The doors are damaged and we're working now to get them secure in time for the next tide arriving."

Lifeboat undamaged

The museum, which opened in April 2006, houses the likes of the HF Bailey lifeboat which served the Cromer coast during World War II.

It is named after the RNLI's most decorated seaman who, alongside lifeboat medals for gallantry, was awarded the George Cross and the British Empire Medal.

Damage was left across Cromer's promenade (pic Derek Vine)

Henry Blogg had gone to sea 387 times onboard the Cromer lifeboat, but on Friday the sea came to the lifeboat station.

The town's inshore lifeboat however, managed to escape any damage, despite being housed next door to the museum.

"Volunteers have come down to help out, clear the stock out of the way, brushing and cleaning the floor, along with the crew from the boat house," Ms Palmer said.

"We haven't had major damage to objects due to warnings.

"I'm really pleased everyone was alright and pleased because it could have been an awful lot worse.

"We'll be closed over the weekend and we're going to talk to the council about improving the flood defences."