13th October, 1822

During a terrible gale the Revenue cutter Ranger, commanded by Capt John Sayers, was lost off Happisburgh with 30 of her crew. This vessel was wrecked within 150 yards of the spot where another Revenue cutter, the Hunter, was lost some years previously.

Allegations, the truth of which was denied, were made that the inhabitants of Happisburgh shamefully neglected the signals of distress made by the Ranger.

“The shrieks of the crew,” it was said, “were heard distinctly on shore, yet no attempt was made to rescue.”
In March, 1801 Royal Navy ship HMS Invincible came to grief on Hasbro’ Sands, and 400 of her crew of 590 perished.