Hero teacher who died saving dozens of school kids from drowning recognised

A Bloxwich teacher who tragically died aged 41 has finally been awarded an Elizabeth Emblem.

Bernard Butt, a teacher at the former TP Riley School in Bloxwich, selflessly saved 50 school children from drowning on a school trip in 1988.

The tragedy happened on October 21 during one of TP Riley’s regular trips to Egypt as part of the school’s history studies. 

Fifteen minutes after the SS Jupiter cruise liner left Athens, it collided with a cargo ship near Piraeus in Greece. Within 40 minutes, the boat had sunk. 

During that short time, Mr Butt comforted the many scared children from TP Riley and other schools and ushered them to safety. But tragically he was unable to save himself and his body was never recovered. 

Along with Mr Butt, 14-year-old Vivienne Barley and two boat crew died in the disaster. 

A commemorative plaque and tree was planted in memory of Mr Butt at his school, now called Walsall Academy. But students of Mr Butt started a campaign this year to get the teacher an Elizabeth Emblem, which recognises those who have died in public service. 

One of the students was deputy leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Mark Statham. He said: “This story is nothing short of a phenomenal act of bravery and selflessness. 

“Bernard paid the ultimate sacrifice and as a local community, we have been campaigning to ensure his story rightly lives on, and this award will do that.

“There are so many stories about Bernard, his character, and what an amazing teacher he was. There are also heart-wrenching accounts from survivors from the ship that evening, and this award will bring great comfort to all those who knew and admired Bernard.

“It’s never too late to recognise an unsung hero, and thirty-six years later, I’m delighted that Mr Butt has been nationally recognised for his heroism.”