Lifeboat magazine spring 2025

SPRING 2025 ISSUE 651

© RNLI 2025. All rights reserved. Reproduction is permitted with the prior consent of the RNLI. Opinions expressed by authors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Care is taken to ensure that editorial information is correct at the time of going to press but is subject to change.

Chair: Janet Legrand OBE KC (Hon)

Chief Executive: Peter Sparkes

Lifeboat Editor: Bethany Hope

Lifeboat Design: David Constant, Lee Hawkins, Stacey Moller Front cover image: Volunteer Launch Vehicle Operator Michael Coulson-Tabb at Whitstable RNLI, RNLI/Nathan Williams

Photo (bottom right): The new lifeguard season’s approaching: lifeguards at Littlehampton remind swimmers and bodyboarders where to swim, RNLI/Nathan Williams

Contact us

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The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. We do so by providing a rescue service, safety education, and supervision on beaches. We also influence other organisations, policy-makers and regulators. Our crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives since the RNLI was formed in 1824. Our Water Safety Team helps keep people safe at the coast and our International Team works to reduce drowning around the world where it’s a major risk. We are independent from government and rely on voluntary contributions and gifts in Wills for income.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney

Bethany Hope, Editor

Email: lifeboat@rnli.org.uk

Welcome

Launching into our third century

It’s an exciting time for our charity. Turn to page 28 to find out how we’ll save more lives in a changing world, including the announcement of a new class of lifeboat for the RNLI fleet.

We’ve got some cracking rescue stories for you too (from page 8).

You’ll meet beachgoer Robbie, who blacked out in the surf in Newquay and you’ll hear from kayakers Gwyn and Kevin, who had to leap to safety from the bottom of a cliff near Cardigan.

And you won’t want to miss the story on page 18 – straight from the heart of Whitstable lifeboat volunteer Michael. That’s him on the cover, with some of his friends on the crew.

Thank you very much for all your kind support,

PS: Thank you to everybody who voted for their favourite article ideas in the last issue of your magazine. ‘How to build a lifeboat station’ came out on top! Look out for all your favourites in future issues.

News

Thanks to you

Action on drowning

RNLI lifesavers are dedicated to saving lives at sea 365 days a year. Each year, our lifeboat stations have an on-call team ready to respond throughout the festive season. And on Christmas Day, Redcar rescuers left their family dinners to answer the call to a multi-agency incident in their area, remaining on scene for several hours. Their presence was made possible thanks to your kind support and donations to the RNLI Christmas appeal.

We are immensely grateful to our supporters who do so much to help us continue to operate in a challenging financial environment. Since 2019, RNLI boat fuel costs have increased by 25% and our utility costs have increased by 9%. Without your generosity of time and donations, our lifesavers could not have rescued the thousands of people who needed our help last year. Thank you.

The RNLI, World Health Organization (WHO) and Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health co-hosted a global workshop in Chiang Mai, on the provision of daycare for pre-school children as a drowning prevention intervention. In October, 30 experts came together to come up with a strategy for the integration of drowning prevention into communitybased daycare and early childhood development activities.

Participants exchanged insights and explored the WHO practical guidance document, as well as observing Thailand’s Merit Maker programme during a field trip. Merit Maker supports communitybased interventions, such as daycare centres and rescue points, designed to prevent young people from drowning.

Free Wills Month

This March, if you’re 55 or older, you can write or update a simple Will for free with the RNLI as part of Free Wills Month. Visit RNLI.org/lifeboatFWM to find out more.

Global drowning prevention experts gathered in Chiang Mai to share their knowledge

Redcar volunteers launched to the rescue on Christmas Day

Lifesaving recognised

RNLI volunteers and staff have been recognised in His Majesty

The King’s New Year Honours.

British Empire Medal (BEM)

Gillian (Gilli) Cowley, Chair of Douglas RNLI Lifeboat Guild

David Haines, Chair of Lifeboat Management Group at Looe Lifeboat Station

Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Kenneth Gee, Crew Member at Kirkwall Lifeboat Station

William (David) Lipp, Chair of the Lifeboat Management Group at Invergordon Lifeboat Station

Patrick (Paddy) McLaughlin, RNLI Trustee and Coxswain of Red Bay Lifeboat Station

Norman Niven, Chair of the Aberdour RNLI Committee

Sheila Warner, Vice Chair of Wells Lifeboat Guild

To read their stories, please visit RNLI.org/NYHonours25

Alternative fuels

As part of ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, we’re exploring the potential of alternative fuels for our lifeboats, road transport and lifeguard operations –key contributors to our emissions.

Two options are currently under consideration for lifeboats: gas to liquid (GTL) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). GTL’s carbon reduction is modest, but its immediate improvement in air quality is well-suited to areas with higher standards – such as London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, where it’s already in use at our lifeboat stations. HVO offers a more significant emission reduction, but at a greater cost.

Our thoughtful adoption of fuels, considering social impacts as well as costs, can drive our sustainable decarbonisation ambitions while continuing to support our lifesaving work.

Lifeguard rollout begins

RNLI

RNLI lifeguards begin returning to beaches this Easter, protecting locals and holidaymakers. Each year, our lifeguards patrol beaches around the UK and Channel Islands, sharing vital water safety advice, rescuing people and providing first aid.

When heading to the coast over the coming months, visit a lifeguarded beach and say hello to our lifesavers when you get there – they can advise you on the weather and sea conditions so you can enjoy your visit safely.

Love lifeboats?

The Lifeboat Enthusiasts’ Society (LBES) marked their 60th anniversary last year and are inviting you to join them. LBES membership is perfect for anyone who has a passion for the RNLI, its lifeboats, lifeboat stations and lifeboat history.

As a member, you'll get three Lifeboats Past & Present magazines each year, as well as an annual handbook listing lifeboats, stations, launch vehicles and much more. If you're interested in joining the LBES and supporting the RNLI in a unique way, head to lifeboatenthusiasts.com.

Photos: Centara Riverside Hotel, Nicholas Leach, RNLI/(Nick Mailer, Andrew Watson), Sam Sherring

lifeguard patrols return this Easter

Llandudno RNLI’s Shannon class lifeboat William F Yates

Community

Welcome to a selection of news from your RNLI community. For all the latest from where you are, head to RNLI.org/news

Women in SAR

Last year, Plymouth RNLI hosted the first south-west England Women in Search and Rescue (SAR) event. 30 women gathered for a day of operational exercises and knowledge sharing. Halfway through, the station was tasked by the Coastguard, so crew from Plymouth, Weymouth, Teignmouth and Lyme Regis RNLI responded. This was the first operational shout in south-west England conducted by an all-female crew.

The day was organised by

Plymouth RNLI’s Beth Barratt who was inspired after attending the inaugural Women in SAR conference at RNLI College. She says: ‘It was great to be able to host the event in Plymouth, with our male crew also taking a big role in organising the day and delivering the exercises. It was fantastic to have support from key leaders within our station, who’ve been championing inclusivity for women at our station and within the whole organisation.’

Symphony of celebration

A unique ferry service located on the Shropshire Union Canal has been faithfully raising money for the RNLI since 2010. The Audlem Lass Boat Service runs between Audlem’s Lock 15 and the Overwater Marina from Easter until October, on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Through donations of £1 for adults and 50p for children, over £40,000 of lifesaving funds has been raised in the last 15 years. An incredible effort by all involved. Find out more at facebook.com/AudlemLass

DEVON

Plymouth RNLI hosts the first south-west England Women in SAR event

CHESHIRE

The Audlem Lass ferry pulls up at a dock on the Shropshire Union Canal

NEATH AND PORT TALBOT

Crew marine mammal medics

Volunteers from Port Talbot RNLI have passed out as marine mammal medics with British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), equipping them with the skills needed to help marine mammals in trouble. The course included first aid, safe handling and transportation, and recovery and refloating of full-size-and-weight models of seals, dolphins and whales. And it familiarised them with specialist rescue equipment, including cages, seal bags, slings and pontoons.

BDMLR South Wales Area Coordinator Gareth Richards says: ‘Responding to sick and injured seals

COUNTY CORK

Paddle 4 Life

Kayaking team Paddle 4 Life have completed 2 years of fundraising for the eight RNLI lifeboat stations in Cork. The series of challenges raised €15,227.56 and included a 24-hour paddle on the River Lee. The team demonstrated that safety is paramount – organising free rescue skill development days and ensuring every adventure was responsibly managed.

Team representative Anaïs O’Donovan presented the cheque for these lifesaving efforts to Union Hall RNLI crew, saying: ‘We’ve been delighted to support a very worthy organisation whose volunteers put

Specialist training with life-size models of dolphins, whales and seals

and cetaceans here in South Wales can be very challenging – requiring, at times, support from a range of organisations. We were delighted to have crew members from Port Talbot RNLI join us on one of our marine mammal medic courses recently. The professionalism and can-do attitude of the RNLI volunteers was inspiring. Their knowledge of the area, sea conditions and water safety added another learning opportunity for everyone on the course.’

Events

Last chance! Making Waves Exhibition

National Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Road, Swansea

Until Sunday 16 March 2025

Hear rescue stories from RNLI history in Cymru/Wales and get up close to the innovative rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RIB), designed and built at Wales’s Atlantic College.

Sloop Groggy Dogs in concert

Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul’s Square, Bedford

Friday 25 April 2025, 7.30–9.30pm

Come along for a fun night out singing shanties and other crowd-pleasers. General tickets £20, VIP tickets £40. Contact Bedford Corn Exchange on 01234 718044 or cornexchange @ bedford.gov.uk.

their lives at risk to keep us all safe. We’d like to thank all of our sponsors, volunteers, safety crew, participants, and everyone else who donated or shared words of support.’

TCS London Marathon –cheer stations

Central London

Sunday 27 April 2025, 9am–6pm

Join one of our three cheer stations to support RNLI runners in their marathon efforts. Contact events @ rnli.org.uk for more information.

GET INVOLVED

To find more events coming up in your area, including lifeboat open days, head to RNLI.org/events

Photos: Audlem Lass, BDMLR, Samantha Killacky, Erskine Logan, RNLI/(Darren Blight, Mike Milner, Wexford)

Paddle 4 Life’s Anaïs O’Donovan visits Union Hall Lifeboat Station

RESCUE STORIES

As a loyal supporter, you are helping our lifeboat crews and lifeguards carry out thousands of rescues every year. Here are some highlights, and you can read full accounts of other rescues on the following pages:

6 CARDIGAN | PAGE 10

7 NEWQUAY | PAGE 14

8 BANGOR | PAGE 16 7 8

For more rescue stories, head to RNLI.org/rescues

CLIFF FALL

WICK | 26 SEPTEMBER 2024

RNLI crew, coastguard rescuers and paramedics joined forces when a person was seriously injured after falling 9m down cliff steps at Whaligoe. Our volunteers launched the small XP boat from their all-weather lifeboat and carefully navigated shallows to the foot of the cliff. The casualty, now safely secured to a stretcher, was brought onboard the inflatable craft, transferred to the Trent class lifeboat and swiftly delivered to a waiting ambulance crew.

TIDAL TRAP

REDCAR | 3 NOVEMBER 2024

Both inshore lifeboats launched to the rescue when two people became trapped by the tide below Saltburn Cliffs. The Atlantic 85 crew stood by, while the D class crew navigated beneath the cliffs. They put lifejackets onto the casualties and transferred

STUCK FAST

LYMINGTON | 13 OCTOBER 2024

Our lifesavers launched their Atlantic 85 lifeboat when a woman got stuck in mud at Boulder Bay on the Isle of Wight. The RNLI crew picked up a Coastguard mud rescue team and specialist equipment in Yarmouth, before locating the woman and her friends. They freed the casualty and brought her back to Yarmouth, where she was deemed fit and well.

them to the Atlantic 85. Mike Picknett, Lifeboat Operations Manager, says: ‘When coastal walking, always remember to check the tide times before you set off and be sure to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.’

GALE FORCE

BUNDORAN | 24 NOVEMBER 2024

A member of the public raised the alarm after spotting a swimmer being dragged out to sea by a rip current. Force 8 winds and 3m swells made for a challenging rescue, but our inshore lifeboat volunteers got to the scene fast and used all their training and teamwork to get the swimmer safely onboard. They then hurried the casualty ashore, handing them into the care of ambulance paramedics.

EARLY SHOUT

WALMER AND RAMSGATE | 28 OCTOBER 2024

Two crews were called into action just before 7am when a yacht, with three people onboard, ran aground on the infamous Goodwin Sands. The vessel was stranded 6 miles offshore, in 2m swells, and rapidly taking on water. Walmer’s inshore crew worked fast to bring casualties onboard and transfer them to Ramsgate’s all-weather lifeboat. By the time the Ramsgate crew turned for shore with the survivors, the yacht had been swallowed by the waves.

Photos: Stephen Duncombe, Grzegorz Rabzik, RNLI/(Suzanne Brown, Andrew Watson, Wick, Christopher Winslade)

Do you know that feeling? You’re teetering on the edge, about to jump into the water

Kayaker Kevin’s going to leap from a rock ledge into the swirling sea. The lifeboat crew member beside him will tell him exactly when to jump. By timing it right at the peak of a wave, there’s less danger of Kevin

hitting any submerged rocks. Kevin must keep hold of the rope in his hand, then the crew on the D class lifeboat will pull him aboard, from a few metres away. Ready to jump?

How it all started

Kevin and his friend Gwyn had been enjoying a day out kayaking along the Pembrokeshire coastline, when Gwyn capsized in the choppy seas. When Gwyn tried to lever himself

back onboard with the help of Kevin’s kayak, the manoeuvre backfired. Kevin remembers his kayak ‘went up like the Titanic ’. They were both overboard. After several failed attempts to get going again, they decided to ditch the kayaks and head for the shore, metres away. Both men managed to climb onto the rocks at the base of the cliff. Gwyn recalls: ‘We were relieved to have both made it ashore.’

TAKEN FROM REAL HEADCAM FOOTAGE

Now, surrounded by sea and cliffs, there was no way out. Their only means of calling for help – a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch – was drifting away in one of their kayaks.

Luckily, a walker spotted the pair from the coastal footpath and called the Coastguard.

At Cardigan Lifeboat Station, Helm Mark Williams (a search vessel skipper when he’s not volunteering), Simon Mansfield (an NHS manager)

and Louise Francis (a personal assistant) launched the D class lifeboat John Darbyshire. The kayakers were about 4 miles away.

‘We had a little bit of a pounding going down,’ remembers Louise. Waves reached up to 2½m, towards the upper limits of the D class lifeboat’s capabilities. Mark explains the risks: ‘You can go airborne, capsize and get crew members going overboard. As helm, I had to get the balance right

‘As helm I had to get the balance right between getting there quickly and not damaging the crew’

MARK WILLIAMS, HELM, CARDIGAN RNLI

between getting there quickly and not damaging the crew.’

Around 25 minutes after launching, the crew spotted Gwyn and Kevin sitting at the base of a 30m cliff. In calmer conditions, the helm would have maneouvred the lifeboat close enough to the land for the pair to step aboard, but that was too dangerous on this particular day. The crew would have to find another way to get the kayakers onto the lifeboat.

Helm Mark Williams (left), with Crew Members Simon Mansfield and Louise Francis

The Cardigan crew on the D class lifeboat John Darbyshire

The jumping plan

After careful consideration, they decided that the best idea was for Crew Member Simon Mansfield to get out of the lifeboat and swim to Gwyn and Kevin. He’d assess how they were doing and guide them through the jumping plan.

Simon was dropped off a few metres from the rocks. He reached land quickly, but climbing out of the water was hard work. Each incoming wave propelled him further up, while the drag tugged him back. He managed to get his foot up and hauled himself clear of the water. His yellow wellies helped him grip on the slippery rocks.

Simon assessed Gwyn and Kevin. Gwyn’s leg was bleeding in a few places and Simon recalls: ‘He’d taken

a couple of knocks and was a little bit battered and bruised.’ Neither of them was seriously injured though and they stayed calm even when Simon outlined the jumping plan. Gwyn recalls: ‘The way Simon spoke, he portrayed confidence. All of the crew were really good and we were happy to trust them. So there was no fear for the jump – we were willing to just go for it.’

From the volunteers’ perspective, the plan worked like clockwork. With great skill, Helm Mark manoeuvred the lifeboat close to the casualties –around 10m from the rock ledge. Mark had to continually adjust the lifeboat position in the turbulent waters. Louise was on target first time with the throw bag and Simon had prepped the casualties well. Kevin held

the throw line and bravely stepped down to the bottom ledge. On Simon’s instruction, he jumped. Together, Louise and Mark pulled him away from the rocks and up into the lifeboat.

Gwyn was next. Again Louise’s throw was spot on and Gwyn prepared for his jump. Even the unflappable Simon raised an eyebrow when Gwyn told him he couldn’t swim, but the crew were confident that the plan would still work. On the first countdown, Gwyn took the leap and joined Kevin in the lifeboat in seconds.

It was three out of three for throwing from Louise. Simon jumped in and soon all five were safely in the lifeboat. After a demanding 2-hour shout, the crew were glad to get the casualties back to civilisation.

‘Volunteering is a huge commitment, but it’s the least I can do’

GWYN EVANS, CREW MEMBER, CARDIGAN RNLI

Meeting your heroes

Later that day, Louise was nearing home when she spotted some kayaks outside a neighbour’s house. She saw a man out front who said he’d just been rescued by the RNLI and how impressed he’d been. It was Gwyn. With a smile, Louise revealed: ‘That was me on the lifeboat!’

The crew certainly deserve praise. Mark Williams was presented with a Letter of Thanks from the RNLI’s Chair for his excellent seamanship, sound command and decision-making. For their collective efforts, courage and teamwork, Chair’s Letters of Thanks were also awarded to Louise Francis and Simon Mansfield.

Kevin and Gwyn have been out kayaking since. ‘We’ve made a few changes,’ says Gwyn. ‘We bought new buoyancy aids with pockets, so we can carry a means of calling for help. And we’re careful checking the conditions on the day.’

A new recruit

Gwyn and Kevin both stayed in touch with the Cardigan crew. Gwyn mentioned to Simon that he’d consider joining the lifeboat crew, but that he still couldn’t swim well. Simon reassured him that the RNLI drysuit would help and he was right.

Before long, Gwyn was training to become a lifeboat volunteer. As part of his training, he managed to swim the length of the survival pool at RNLI College – in a drysuit. Soon Gwyn will be saving lives at sea himself. ‘Volunteering is a huge commitment,’ reflects Gwyn, ‘but it's the least I can do. I needed the service and it was there for me. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to repay that back to somebody else.’ ■

Thank you for providing for our crews. Your generosity means the crew have the right kit and skills in an emergency. As we all know, prices have risen, and durable lifesaving kit doesn’t come cheap.

£45/€52

£90/€103 YOUR CREW YOUR KIT

Louise used one to haul the kayakers aboard the lifeboat

like the ones that kept Simon safe on the slippery rocks

turns people like Gwyn into a lifesaver

Words: Bethany Hope

Photos: Stephen Duncombe, RNLI/(Cardigan, Nigel Millard)

Lifesaving training that turns willing volunteers into lifesavers

Being rescued by the crew inspired Gwyn to volunteer

Teenagers Robbie and Jonas were having fun bodysurfing during the Boardmasters Festival in Newquay, when a rip current caught them by surprise

Through binoculars and standing on the back of their patrol vehicle, RNLI lifeguards spotted the two friends, Robbie and Jonas, in the water. The teenagers had been caught in a rip current and by now they were about 150m offshore. The lifeguards alerted their supervisor John Steadman, who was patrolling the water on a rescue watercraft (RWC).

Having already saved one life that morning, John opened the throttle and powered in the boys’ direction. Robbie recalls: ‘The current kept dragging me back out, so I just kind of got stuck. I was trying to swim back, but I couldn’t. I remember swallowing a lot of water and I remember the

taste of a lot of salt. Just very, very salty. I don’t really remember panicking. And then I blacked out.’

‘I remember the taste of salt, and then I blacked out’

BODYSURFER ROBBIE

As John arrived, he could see one of the boys face down and the other struggling to hold him afloat. ‘The boy in the water was in and out of consciousness and unable to help himself,’ recalls John. ‘I shouted to the other boy to turn him so his head was above the water, which he did.

‘The large surf and waves made my

approach a little challenging on the RWC, but thanks to my RNLI training and experience, I managed to get close enough. Between me and the other teenager, we managed to get him onto the rescue sled on the back of the ski.’ With both teenagers securely on the rescue sled, John made his way ashore. There he was met by other lifeguards, including Olly Malkin, who had initially spotted the pair. John remembers: ‘Olly and I carried Robbie up the beach and put him into the recovery position, where he brought up large amounts of water and started to breathe. We maintained his airway until paramedics arrived and took him to hospital for further checks. It had

clearly been a terrifying situation.’

Robbie’s mum Rachael was anxious to be by her son’s side but was 2½ hours’ drive away: ‘I can’t describe what it feels like to get that call. Being his mum and waiting to hear that he was OK was so frightening. I get emotional thinking about it. It’s not a phone call you ever want to receive –to hear your child is in difficulty and on his way to hospital. And then to wait

Keeping you safe

If you’re visiting the coast, follow these top tips and find out more at RNLI.org/BeachSafety.

■ Choose a lifeguarded beach.

■ Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags.

■ If you’re struggling in the water, Float to Live.

for more news – it is not a nice wait at all. It was so, so frightening. But he’s fine, so it’s amazing.

‘I know teenagers don’t often listen to their parents but beach safety is so important. Teenage boys can tend to underestimate the power of the sea because they are young and capable. That fearlessness and feeling of invincibility is great, but it can get you into difficulty.

‘We carried Robbie up the beach and put him into the recovery position, where he brought up large amounts of water and started to breathe’

JOHN STEADMAN, LIFEGUARD SUPERVISOR

■ Know the risks and what to do.

■ In a coastal emergency, call 999 if you’re in the UK or 112 if you’re in Ireland, and ask for the coastguard.

John with the Newquay rescue watercraft and sled

‘I would just like to say an enormous thank you beyond words. The work of the RNLI is incredible. Robbie wouldn’t be with us now if it weren’t for Jonas and the RNLI. What you do is so fantastic and we want to show our eternal gratitude. The ambulance and hospital staff were also amazing.’ ■

The view from the headcam of a lifeguard on a rescue watercraft, at Newquay

Words: Rob Westcott Photos: Stephen Duncombe, RNLI/Theresa Morokutti

IN A SEA OF DARKNESS

When his hydrofoil broke, a sailor found himself lost, cold and whistling in hope of rescue

Robert Espey is a 12-time Irish sailing champion. ‘I started sailing when I was 6 years old, I grew up with it. I’m 39 now and I’ve been sailing for 33 years.’

On a mild September evening, Robert was out sailing in Bangor Bay with his brother-in-law, Matt. ‘I was practising with Matt for the Irish Championships. We were about to head in when a part of my boat broke, and I capsized.’

An experienced sailor, Robert was used to capsizes. But the specialist nature of his craft meant he was quickly in trouble. ‘I sail a hydrofoil that flies out of the water. It has

wings that you sit on out to the side. One of the wing mounts had broken. I tried to fix it, but I couldn’t.’

Darkness falls

The damage meant Robert lost control of which direction he travelled and could only head offshore. ‘Matt went to get help. When he came back out 30 minutes later, it was a lot darker and he couldn’t see me, even though I could see him. I was whistling and shouting, but he couldn’t hear me. So he radioed for help.’

Another 15 minutes passed and Robert spotted Bangor’s B class lifeboat arriving on scene. But the

darkness was growing deeper all the time. ‘I was wearing a black wetsuit with a black helmet, on a black boat. I had no light on my boat, so they couldn’t see me.’

Robert watched as the lifeboat crew continued to search for him. ‘I was drifting downwind quickly. At one point they came close to me, but then disappeared behind a headland and I lost sight.’

Whistling in hope

Now he was drifting dangerously close to a treacherous set of rocks.

‘I passed a lobster pot marker buoy. I jumped off the boat and tied it to

‘I was whistling and shouting, but he couldn’t hear me’

SAILOR ROBERT ESPEY

The

ROBBIE

the buoy. I climbed back on and sat there for another 20 minutes, whistling for help.’

The lifeboat crew sent up flares to aid their search. It’s not just illumination that the flares provide. ‘When I saw flares going up,’ says Robert, ‘it gave me some hope that the lifeboat crew were still looking for me.’

Alone in the dark and getting colder all the time, Robert could do nothing but continue trying to signal for attention. He could see blue lights moving along the shoreline as Coastguard rescue teams joined the search. ‘I was whistling with my fingers, which was very loud. But because they were upwind of me for most of their search, they couldn’t hear. Normally when I go out on my own, I take a phone in a waterproof pouch. But, because there

Lesson learned the hard way

After the rescue, Robert was given some important safety advice by volunteers at Bangor RNLI. ‘Always let people know where you’re going and have a means of communication,’ relays Robert.

‘It’s very simple. If I’d had my phone with me, my GPS [global positioning system] would have been located in seconds. I won’t go out again without a phone.’

were two of us, I didn’t bring it this time.’

Fortunately for Robert, a dog walker heard his whistles and alerted the Coastguard, helping to narrow down the search. ‘When I saw the lifeboat coming towards me, I think they were a lot more relieved to see me than I was to see them, because I had sight of them for a long time.

‘Seeing my friend Russell, the helm of the lifeboat, the look on his face, he seemed very relieved. They were about to start doing a very different search, involving a helicopter using thermal vision, because they were very worried. They had expected to find me more quickly.’ ■

Words: James Dwyer

Photos: Michael Eames/Blacksmith Photography, Nicholas Leach, RNLI/(Bangor, Poole)

Bangor B class lifeboat Ruby Robinson

crew used searchlights to find Robert in the pitch black

LOVE STORY

Who do you turn to when your world falls apart?

RNLI volunteer Michael found comfort in the crew around him

‘Alys was proud of me being on the crew, and that made me proud of me’

Michael’s laughing, watching his son Teddy (aged 7) at the lifeboat station. Teddy’s hosing down the lifeboat crew after a training exercise and he ‘accidentally’covers them and sprays their faces. The crew are used to Teddy and his mischief – they join in the fun.

Father and son have been through the mill. ‘You never know what’s around the corner,’ warns Michael.

‘I fell in love’

Michael first met Alys in Whitstable in 2012. ‘I fell in love,’ he confesses. ‘I wasn’t expecting it. Alys was funny and she turned me into a better person. I very much loved her and I love her still.’

It was 2016 when Michael joined the crew at Whitstable, as a volunteer tractor driver. He lived just 150m from the lifeboat station and worked from home most days with his catering business. He loved volunteering from the start: ‘It’s worthwhile giving something back to the local community and I get to drive a big toy – a great big blue tractor! I’m genuinely doing good and people think I’m a bit of a hero –so it’s kind of win-win.’

Life was good. Michael and Alys were living together and in December 2017 Alys gave birth to a beautiful baby. They named him Teddy. ‘It was joyous. She and I just fell in love with Teddy. He was her everything.’ Teddy was an easy baby – ‘a happy little bundle’.

Test results

When Teddy was about 6 months old, the family were hit by some bad news. Alys found a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with cancer.

Michael remembers: ‘Alys’s first reaction when she heard was all concern for Teddy. Nothing about herself.’

Alys had surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. ‘Cancer is a funny thing – in a bad way,’ reflects Michael. ‘It's not until very late on into the illness that you actually become sick with cancer. It's the treatment that knocks you out.’

Without fear or favour

Michael was there for Alys when she needed him. He kept on volunteering at the lifeboat station too. At a time when so many people were helping Alys and family – nurses, surgeons, friends and other family members

Young Teddy helping out at the lifeboat station, under daddy's watchful eye

Main picture: Michael Coulson-Tabb at Whitstable station with his personalised lifeboat crew mug

Above: Alys and Michael together with baby Teddy, in the months before Alys's illness

– it was important to Michael to be going to other people’s aid, whoever they are.

‘I’m proud of the fact that we go to anyone who’s in trouble in the sea, without fear or favour. That’s vital to me.’

Michael will never forget one shout, when Teddy was just a baby. Two anglers had capsized and thought they were going to drown. The men had been spotted by a dog walker, but they didn’t know that. The pair had just said their goodbyes to each other when the Whitstable crew rescued them.

The worst news

In March 2019, despite all the treatment, Alys and Michael found out that the cancer had come back. They learned it was terminal. At this point Teddy was a toddler, too young to understand. He was happy, affectionate and cheeky.

One night, shortly after Alys’s terminal diagnosis, Michael’s pager sounded. It was 1am and Alys and Michael had Teddy with them in their bed. Michael was torn, reluctant to leave. But Alys encouraged him: ‘Alys said to me “Look, I’m not dying tonight, you’d better go.” That shows what sort of person Alys was.’

Alys never resented Michael’s time spent at the station, weekly training and call outs. ‘Alys was proud of me being on the crew, and that made me proud of me.’

The couple were told that Alys had about a year to live, but it wasn’t to be. In May 2019 she was admitted to a hospice. Later that month, they got married. Michael describes the day, with mixed feelings: ‘It wasn't your traditional happy wedding. Everybody was in tears, apart from Alys and Teddy. I had one lasting image that was taken of her smiling and you can see the love in her eyes for Teddy.’

Michael and Alys were married for 6 days. Alys died on 1 June 2019, aged 40. She died peacefully, with Michael beside her.

It had all happened in the space of a year – a terrible shock for Alys’s family and friends. He says: ‘Everybody’s grief is different. For me, it comes in waves. In the early days, it's like being smacked around the back of the head with a shovel.’

Financially, it was a strain for Michael too. His catering business took a hit.

‘It’s been a massive struggle,’ acknowledges Michael. ‘I had a bit of a breakdown in the very early days. My mental health is an issue. I found myself astonished how sad it was actually possible to be. I’ve come to realise that the amount of pain associated with grief is directly related to the amount of love.’

Michael reached out for support.

‘There’s a stigma with any mental health issue, bereavement or depression,’ says Michael. ‘I think the old idea of pull yourself

Teddy wants to be a tractor driver when he grows up, just like his dad

Full of love – Alys, Teddy and Michael

Michael with his lifeboat family at Whitstable

up by your bootstraps and get on with it is outdated and not very helpful. But people are becoming better at realising that they've got a problem, and that it is something that is normal and fixable. I’ve had therapy, and my son Teddy has helped. And Alys’s family are like my family now. I’m also lucky that I’ve got two older boys, Rory and Victor, who were there for me as well.’

The power of volunteering Volunteering at the station was a constant through it all. ‘Being a member of the lifeboat crew has helped,’ explains Michael, ‘because it’s something outside of your own little world that’s worthwhile and important to do. Being a member of the crew is as good for me overall as it is for the people we go to help.’

Mike Judge, Whitstable Lifeboat Operations Manager at the time, made sure that Michael knew that help was out there. Michael was offered all the support available through the RNLI, including the Benevolent Fund and therapy. ‘I knew I could call upon them if needed,’ says Michael. Other charities helped too. Recently, Michael’s been running a consultancy to raise funds for small charities, such as Widowed and Young. It’s 6 years since Alys died. Michael’s still wearing his wedding ring. ‘What gets me the most is what she’s missing with Teddy. And he's so like her in many ways.’

‘Being a member of the crew is as good for me overall as it is for the people we go to help’

Michael is keen to share what he’s been through: ‘I want to tell the story of Alys and I want to talk about what it’s like to be widowed at a younger age. Plus it'll explain why we all love volunteering with the lifeboats.’

Future crew

Teddy says it’s ‘cool’ to have his dad on the crew. When he’s old enough, he wants to be a tractor driver too.

Whitstable Crew Member Sam Turner says: ‘Teddy’s always helping out here at the station. He’s a little rascal! He’ll be in crew boots before too long.’ ‘Teddy is a mini crew member,’ agrees loving dad Michael. ‘The crew have been a support in many ways. We’ve been embraced.’

DON’T BOTTLE IT UP

Michelle Johnson, RNLI Occupational Health and Wellbeing Manager, hopes that more crew will be open about their problems and mental health issues: ‘Whatever crew members are going through, the RNLI can help. But sometimes our volunteers don’t speak up because of the stigma. Others bottle it up for fear of being stood down as crew. The aim of the RNLI Occupational Health Service is to enable as many people as possible to continue to do the role that they love to do. There’s also Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) – peer support for people exposed to potentially traumatic incidents in their RNLI role.’

Thank you for being there for our lifeboat crews and those they rescue, through thick and thin. Your donations help support crew with these confidential services when they call for help.

If you need help, reach out:

• Contact your GP

• mind.org.uk

• samaritans.org

• pieta.ie

Words: Bethany Hope

Photos: Michael Coulson-Tabb, Andrew Hastings, RNLI/Nathan Williams

Me and my ... father

In our latest look at the lives and loves of lifeboat volunteers, Nathan Vasudaven reveals who’s his biggest influence

I’ve got my father to thank for introducing me to the RNLI. I hadn’t really heard of the charity before he introduced me to the crew at Gravesend. He was the station’s medical adviser, and arranged some shifts for me so that I could familiarise myself with what it takes to launch a lifeboat. I’m not from a nautical background, so I was really proud to be accepted.

I’ve been on the crew for 12 years now, but I never forget that I wouldn’t be where I am without Dad. What I love is the sense of comradeship – even if you arrive with no maritime skill set, you are still valued for the skills you do have. We're all here to save lives at sea – that’s the common denominator, regardless of background. ■

Photo: RNLI/Nathan Williams

Gravesend Volunteer Crew Member

Nathan Vasudaven with his father, Bhargawa, who was the station’s medical adviser

When a cargo ship was sunk by a U-boat off the coast of Aldeburgh, the RNLI’s vital role in wartime lifesaving began

10 September 1939. Seven days after Great Britain had formally declared war on Germany, the brutal reality of the coming conflict was brought home.

Despite a blockade on Germany by the Royal Navy, U-boats had begun patrolling the English Channel, hunting for prey.

The cargo ship SS Magdapur, with 80 crew aboard, was making its way up the east coast of England to its destination at Newcastle. It was passing Aldeburgh when it was attacked.

Struck by torpedoes, the tanker began to keel over, the huge vessel almost snapped in two by the force of the impact. Gallons of oil spilled into the sea, turning the calm blue waters black.

Quiet day on the beach

In these early days of the conflict, the reality of the war had not yet hit home. The coast at Aldeburgh was busy with beachgoers, playing in the sand around the defences that had started to appear.

On the beach that day was Brenda Paulding, a 3-year-old evacuee who had been moved nearby and was visiting the seaside for the first time. She and other children from her neighbourhood were

some of the earliest to be evacuated, as they lived near the Ford Works and Hornchurch Aerodrome – ripe targets for the Luftwaffe.

‘We were behind barbed wire, digging with hand-me-down wooden spades and tin buckets,’ remembers Brenda, ‘when a very loud noise brought it all to an end.’

Described as a great boom of thunder by a local press report, the beachgoers witnessed firsthand the extreme impact of the torpedo on the Magdapur. They could do nothing but watch as it split in two and began to sink below the waves.

The lifeboat launches into war

Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station received word of the ship in distress at 3.20pm. The lifeboat crew quickly assembled and the Abdy Beauclerk was soon being rolled down the beach to the water’s edge, past those beachgoers who remained on the sand. Seventeen minutes after the call for help came in, the lifeboat was on its way.

Despite the threat lurking beneath the waves, the lifeboat crew launched into the sea without hesitation. Ahead of them, they saw three steamers standing by the

Above: The Watson class lifeboat Abdy Beauclerk served the Aldeburgh crew from 1931 to 1958

The SS Magdapur splits in two before disappearing beneath the waves

3-year-old evacuee Brenda witnessed the rescue from the coast at Aldeburgh

Main picture: One survivor is stretchered off the lifeboat

SS. Magdapur

‘I saw the oilstreaked survivors of the Magdapur coming up the beach for triage by a doctor’

BRENDA PAULDING

Below: Aldeburgh residents help the injured onto the beach

sinking vessel. Some of the Magdapur ’s crew had already been brought onboard those ships, pulled from the sea. Twelve survivors remained in the water, struggling to keep themselves afloat in the slickened waters.

The lifeboat crew manoeuvred their craft as close as they could to the sinking ship, heaving onboard those in the water. Surrounded by oil and blood, the lifeboat crew worked as fast as they could to pull the casualties to safety.

Many of those rescued were injured, with two requiring artificial respiration from the lifeboat crew. Working fast, all the casualties were brought onboard. With those in the water now safe, the lifeboat crew began taking the other survivors off the nearby steamers.

The community comes out

Walter Riggs, Honorary Secretary of Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station at the time, saw the entire rescue unfold in front of him. He watched as the lifeboat crew brought those they rescued to shore. Seeing the large number of casualties in distress, he worked fast to arrange first aid for those in need. Dr Robin Acheson, Honorary Surgeon of the lifeboat station, went into action, taking charge of things as the casualties reached the beach.

With the help of St John Ambulance, the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society and local first-aid organisations, they gave casualty care to all those who needed it. Nine of the rescued sailors had to be brought ashore on stretchers.

The others, covered in oil and exhausted from their ordeal, were able to walk their way up the sand.

Among the 80 crew onboard the Magdapur were 60 lascars – men from East Asia and India employed by the shipping lines. Thousands of miles from home and having survived a tremendous ordeal, they were welcomed by the local community who provided food and comfort as they recovered on the sand.

Two hours after launching, the lifeboat Abdy Beauclerk returned to station, still covered in oil and blood from the rescue.

The aftermath

Six of the Magdapur crew lost their lives, including the ship’s first mate. 74 survived thanks to the selflessness of the lifeboat crew. ‘We owe our lives to the folks here,’ survivor George Ogilvie told a reporter. ‘We never knew that people could be so kind.’ The rescue was the first time that the RNLI would launch during the Second World War. But it would not be the last. In total, RNLI crews launched to the rescue 3,760 times during the conflict, saving 6,376 lives.

Under the constant threat of enemy attack and regularly having to avoid mines placed by enemy and ally, brave lifeboat crews launched to the rescue of whoever was in need at sea, sometimes rescuing enemy sailors and pilots who had downed into the sea.

During the conflict, 204 Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals for Gallantry were awarded to brave lifeboat volunteers. Twelve lifeboat crew members lost their lives, making the ultimate sacrifice to save those in need.

Throughout the years of war and horror, the RNLI continued to be a beacon of hope. Whether seas are stormy or conflict-filled, brave volunteers will always be ready to launch to the rescue.

Words: James Dwyer

Photos: RNLI/(Eleanor Driscoll, Nathan Williams)

BRENDA AND THE MAGDAPUR

The Aldeburgh rescue had an impact on Brenda Paulding, who witnessed the entire rescue from the beach. She was only 3 at the time, and it is over 85 years ago, but Brenda remembers the ‘boom-bang-boom’ and recalls: ‘I saw the oil-streaked survivors of the Magdapur coming up the beach for triage by a doctor.’

As an adult, she was inspired to write a poem about it all.

Of the lifeboat launch, Brenda wrote:

‘Off the cradle, over skids life-boatmen must win this race.

Many watchers on the shore wait to play their part, Volunteers and professionals serving others with great heart.’

And on the lifeboat’s return to the lifeboat station:

‘Stubborn stains of blood and oil fade, as the willing workers toil

In the life-boat shed, two hours later, clean refuelled, Ready now to serve again, exhausted crew go home to bed.’

On the Aldeburgh lifeboat crew that day was Norman Cable, great-great uncle of present-day Crew Member James Cable (pictured). The Cable family has served on the lifeboat at Aldeburgh for eight generations.

If you would like to explore your family’s lifesaving history, or find out if there are any lifeboat links in yours, the RNLI has partnered with Ancestry to provide free access to thousands of digital records.

out more.

LAUNCHING INTOTHE THIRD CENTURY

Your guide to how the RNLI will save more lives in a changing world, with a new class of coastal lifeboat and more

Together, we’ve come a long way in 200 years. Would you believe that in that time 42 different classes of lifeboats have served the RNLI! It’s astounding what we’ve achieved thanks to your support. Now, as we enter our third century of lifesaving, we must keep evolving and adapting. We must continue to provide the most effective lifesaving service as we strive to save every one. These days we benefit from technology, data and evidence like never before. We’ve compiled and analysed data and insights provided by our crews, lifeguards and partners and combined it with specialist and local knowledge.

Two things are clear: the nature of lifesaving is changing and the demand for our lifesaving service is increasing.

The lifesaving evidence from the last 7 years is compelling:

• 98% of the RNLI’s lifeboat response is within 10 nautical miles of the shore

• 1.8% is between 10 and 25 nautical miles

• 0.2% of casualties assisted are more than 25 nautical miles from the shore.

So much is changing. Inshore lifeboats are by some margin our most used rescue assets nowadays. Also, the first interaction many

people will have with the RNLI is on the beach with our lifeguards. The number of visitors to our coastlines increases, while their ability to swim declines. These days, fewer than 1 in 10 of our lifeboat volunteers has previous seagoing experience. We must also consider rapidly evolving technological advancements in search and rescue, and the uncertainty that comes with climate change.

‘The nature of lifesaving is changing and the demand for our lifesaving service is increasing’

Peter Sparkes, RNLI Chief Executive

The RNLI’s new class of lifeboat – coming in 2028 – is likely to be a tried and tested design, similar to this one and other ones used in northern Europe

One thing we do know at the RNLI is that it takes courage to overcome adversity. The operational need has changed and we must respond in all our areas of lifesaving: water safety, lifeguards and lifeboats, and the training required. ‘We need to enhance our lifesaving operations into the future, and we need to do it in a way that keeps our people safe,’ explains RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes. ‘So we will introduce the first new lifeboat since the Shannon.’

The new class of coastal lifeboat will be introduced from 2028. It will be similar to those used by many of our search and rescue counterparts in northern Europe and it will provide an intermediate capability between that of an inshore and an all-weather lifeboat.

The coastal lifeboat will enable us to respond more effectively closer to shore and at night. Equipped with a covered wheelhouse, it is likely to be a mature, off-the-shelf, tried-and-tested design that will better protect our crews. Modern technology will enhance

its search and rescue capability, enabling us to find more people and save even more lives.

Plus we’ll be investing in our inshore lifeboats – the workhorses of our fleet. We’re already planning what improvements are needed for the B and D class inshore fleet. In summer 2025, the first of six new hovercraft will be delivered for trials and training. The six new craft will replace the ageing hovercraft fleet.

So what’s happening to our all-weather fleet?

All-weather lifeboats have a lifespan of around 25 years.

The Severn class lifeboats will be withdrawn steadily over 15 years (from now until 2040). After careful consideration, we won’t be investing further in the Severn Life Extension Programme (SLEP). The first two SLEP lifeboats, already being built, will be completed and deployed.

As the Severn is withdrawn, a replacement offshore lifeboat will be rolled out. It could well be a life extension for the Tamar class

and/or a completely new class of offshore lifeboat.

Peter says: ‘In future, our offshore lifeboats will conduct search and rescue operations over the horizon and be better able to interact and cooperate with airborne assets, particularly in the northern Atlantic.’

Our plan is to withdraw the Mersey class by the end of 2025 and the Trent class by late 2028. Shannon class lifeboats will still be built (until late 2027/early 2028).

It’s an exciting time for the RNLI, but we have time to scope out the work and get it right. We’ll keep you informed of progress. Peter’s aware that we couldn’t adapt to the changing times without your kind support: ‘We must make sure we spend every penny and cent donated to us wisely, remembering that it was given to us in trust, to save lives at sea. Thank you.’

Photos: RNLI/(Simon Ling, Nathan Williams)

The fit-for-the-future RNLI fleet: lifeguard rescue watercraft and inshore rescue boat, inshore rescue hovercraft, D class, B class, coastal lifeboat, Shannon class, Tamar class (and/or new offshore lifeboat)

SHELF LIFE

Are you ready to explore from the comfort of your armchair? Our selection of nautical reads are ready and waiting

Reviewed by: Amy Teebay, Becci Jewell and Nikki McMullen

In My Element

by Pip Hare

EDITOR’S PICK

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to compete in the world’s most demanding sailing challenge? Pip Hare, one of the world’s leading solo sailors, shares a powerful and extraordinary account of the Vendée Globe Race – a gruelling lap of the planet requiring sailors to race 24/7 and spend 3 months alone at sea. Through every chapter, Hare shares an array of tips and personal reflections about the race, from changing your internal dialogue to how to sleep better and face your fears. This inspiring biography will have you marvelling at human resilience and deepen your resolve to live every moment to its fullest.

Published by Adlard Coles Price: £14.99

Stand-up Paddleboarding in the Lake District

by Jo Moseley

Whether you’re a novice paddleboarder or an experienced pro, this picturesque guide is sure to inspire you to pick up your paddle and visit the many beautiful waters within the Lake District National Park.

Jo Moseley’s insightful and personal perspectives are a joy to read. From sharing launch spots and water safety tips to detailing how to get there and how to choose the right paddleboard, this is a comprehensive guide. Detailed maps and magnificent photography provide you with helpful insights and impressive viewpoints of the colourful scenery.

Visit RNLI.org/SUP for safety tips before you head out.

Published by Vertebrate Publishing Ltd Price: £22

Published by Birlinn General

Price: £14.99 (hardback)

The Two-Headed Whale

by Sandy Winterbottom

Brace yourself for biting winds and beam seas as you board the barque Europa with Sandy Winterbottom, destined for Antarctica. There, whales surface in icy seas – but not in the numbers there were in the 1950s when the young Anthony Ford was a whaler. You’ll join Anthony too, for exhausting shifts amid the stink and steam of the whaling ships that plundered the southern seas.

Whether you’re captivated by icy continents, interested in the impact of whaling, or ready to feel the pull of the wind in your sails, The Two-Headed Whale is the perfect read.

The Tidal Year

by Freya Bromley

Four years after the death of her younger brother, Freya Bromley sets herself the challenge of swimming in every tidal pool in Britain. From Pittenweem to Polperro, and many places in between, Bromley finds solace and strength in the cold water. New memories are created, and old ones resurface, all shared generously with honesty and humour.

The Last Sea Dog

by Jean-Luc Van Den Heede

Pick up The Last Sea Dog to get inspired by the many adventures of accomplished French sailor Jean-Luc Van Den Heede. From triumphing in the 2018–19 Golden Globe Race at the age of 73 to holding a world record for the fastest west-about circumnavigation, his tales of courage and perseverance make for an extremely compelling read. And Van Den Heede is not one to embellish his adventures, musing: ‘What’s the point of exaggerating? The sea deserves more than fabrication; it deserves respect.’

If you’re looking for a personal account about facing the toughest challenges and emerging victorious, this is the book for you.

Published by Hodder & Stoughton

Price:£10.99

Whether you’re a wild swimmer seeking inspiration, a lover of coastal landscapes eager to explore Britain, or a reader in need of a deeply human and beautifully written account of grappling with grief, The Tidal Year is every bit as restorative as a wild swim.

Why not join us?

Are you an avid reader? Do you love a nautical yarn? We’re always looking for new reviewers for Lifeboat magazine. If you’re interested in penning a 100-word review, please email us.

Published by Fernhurst Books Limited Price: £14.99

Friends of the RNLI

Grangers, a brand dedicated to protecting outdoor enthusiasts against the elements, has become the RNLI’s official aftercare partner.

The company is dedicated to sustainability and their products will extend the life of RNLI kit and act as an extra layer of defence in all conditions. Grangers will provide the RNLI with best-in-class cleaning and reproofing solutions, ensuring RNLI crew and lifeguards stay dry and protected as they save lives at sea.

That’s not all. Grangers is also supporting the RNLI for the next 3 years through a variety of lifesaving activities. These include sharing drowning prevention messages to their customers, supporting fundraising and safety campaigns, product innovation and donating 10p from every product sold in the UK, USA and Australia to the charity.

Puzzle time

Quick wordsearch

Have you met Stan? Turn to page 40 to meet Stormy Stan, of Storm Force fame. Can you find the names of his crew mates below?

Y

G H Y Y B J F A L Y

V J D S L O J W S N

G E H C H O P P Y N

S S A A L P R C E J

A S W P R E I Y T R

N X L P E R I P V U

D J Q E G T Y L I F

Y T Y T O D E A A F

P O L L Y N N Y E S

When the seas get rough and the skies get stormy, Grangers will keep the RNLI crew dry

Can you work out what class of

Answer on page 39.

Photos: RNLI/(Grangers, Tom Kerley)

•

LAUNCHES

Thank you – you are the force behind the launches listed on these pages. Check out the recent action at your favourite lifeboat station with this handy alphabetical list

A ABERDEEN

D-830: Sep 10,21, Oct 20, 28, Nov 17

ON1237 (17-17): Oct 20, Nov 17,19,25

ABERDOVEY

B-896: Sep 1,11,22,25 ABERSOCH

B-886: Sep 11,14,21,24, Oct 6,30

ABERYSTWYTH

A-78: Sep 17,21, Nov 4

B-937: Sep 17,21, Nov 4,19

AITH

ON1232 (17-14): Sep 20

ALDEBURGH

B-899: Nov 14

D-808: Sep 3,14 ALDERNEY

ON1245 (14-29): Sep 18, 21, Oct 12, Nov 10,15

AMBLE

D-867: Oct 30(x2), Nov 27

ON1323 (13-16): Oct 5

ANGLE

ON1291 (16-11): Sep 1,19,26,28,29, Oct 1,13,23,26,28, Nov 15

ANSTRUTHER

D-802: Sep 14, Oct 5

ON1328 (13-21): Nov 28

ON1354 (13-47): Sep 3, Oct 20

APPLEDORE

B-861: Sep 1,5, Oct 16, 27, Nov 5

D-756: Sep 28, Oct 16,27, Nov 2,3

ON1296 (16-16): Sep 14, Nov 20(x2)

ARAN ISLANDS

ON1217 (17-06): Nov 4, 9(x2),12,13,14,15(x2), 16,20

ON1260 (17-31): Sep 1,4, 5,10,12,28

ARBROATH

B-927: Sep 13, Oct 22, Nov 2,5,8,19,30(x2)

D-892: Sep 13, Oct 22, Nov 2,5,8

ARKLOW

ON1223 (14-19): Nov 3

ARRAN (LAMLASH)

B-876: Sep 13

B-929: Sep 1,8

ARRANMORE

ON1244 (17-22): Sep 1,2, 7,11,18,27,29, Oct 4(x2), 5,6,31, Nov 13

BALLYGLASS

D-823: Sep 15,19

ON1235 (17-15): Sep 3,15

BALTIMORE

ON1302 (16-22): Sep 5, 19,30, Oct 8

BANGOR (CO DOWN)

B-944: Sep 6,9(x2),16, 18,25, Oct 1,7,12,13(x2), 30, Nov 13,21

BARMOUTH

D-814: Sep 22, Oct 13

ON1333 (13-26): Sep 22

BARRA ISLAND

ON1230 (17-12): Oct 24, 26(x2)

BARROW

D-866: Sep 3,4,6,18,23, Oct 20

ON1288 (16-08): Sep 2, Oct 28

BARRY DOCK

D-820: Sep 3, Nov 11

ON1358 (13-51): Oct 4,5, Nov 12,28

BEAUMARIS

B-838: Sep 2,3,6,13,18, 20,27,28, Oct 8,12,27

BEMBRIDGE

D-778: Sep 1,10,18,21, Oct 6,30, Nov 4,5,16,26

ON1280 (16-01): Sep 1,4, 7,8,9,10(x2),17 ON1297 (16-17): Sep 20, 29, Oct 5,6, Nov 1,4,26

BERWICK-UPON-TWEED

B-940: Oct 21

BLACKPOOL

D-862: Sep 4,13,21, Oct 2,3(x2),16,26, Nov 10,30

D-864: Sep 21, Oct 3,9, Nov 30

BLYTH

B-923: Sep 2,22, Oct 2

D-878: Sep 1,2,7,8,11, Nov 3,4

BORTH

D-893: Sep 27

BRIDLINGTON

D-852: Sep 5

ON1339 (13-32): Sep 1

BRIGHTON

B-852: Sep

1,3,9,15,20(x2),21,22, Oct 4, Nov 1,8,17,20

BROUGHTY FERRY

D-887: Sep 7,19, Oct 11, Nov 8,10,13,14,19,27,30

ON1252 (14-31): Sep 7, 12,19,28, Oct 11, Nov 8, 10,13,14,30

BUCKIE

ON1268 (17-37): Sep 3, 29, Oct 7,22

BUDE

D-826: Sep 9,12,18, Oct 24, Nov 11,14

BUNDORAN

B-834: Sep 19,24, Nov 16,20,24

BURNHAM-ON-CROUCH

B-849: Sep 5(x2),7,21, 22,29, Oct 21, Nov 5,25

BURNHAM-ON-SEA

B-865: Oct 17, Nov 16, 17,23

D-801: Oct 17, Nov 15 BURRY PORT

B-915: Sep 1, Oct 4,5

D-761: Nov 6

D-882: Sep 1,27, Oct 5 CALSHOT

B-860: Sep 17,18, Oct 6, 18,20, Nov 23,24

D-880: Sep 1,17, Oct 6,16

CAMPBELTOWN

D-870: Sep 19

ON1269 (17-38): Sep 4,6, Oct 2

CARDIGAN

B-871: Oct 18, Nov 1

D-869: Oct 18, Nov 1

CARRYBRIDGE

B-904: Sep 7(x3),26

2,092

RNLI RESCUE CRAFT LAUNCHES

1 September to 30 November 2024

The launches listed here are those for which returns had been received at the RNLI Support Centre and processed by 2 January 2025.

CASTLETOWNBERE

ON1277 (17-44): Oct 18,23

CHISWICK

E-07: Nov 21

E-08: Sep 7(x4),9,11,13, 15,16,17,19(x2),20(x2), 21(x4),22, Oct 2(x2),25, Nov 16,17(x2),19,21, 23(x3),24(x2),26,28, 29(x3),30

E-09: Sep 1(x3),4,6,15, 23,24(x3),25(x7),27, 29(x2),30(x3), Oct 1(x3), 2(x4),4(x2),5(x2),7,9,12, 13,14,15(x2),16,18,19(x3), 20,22(x2),23,28,29,30,31, Nov 1(x4),3,4,5(x2),6,11, 12(x2),14(x2),15(x3),16,20

CLACTON-ON-SEA

B-863: Sep 6,11,19,29, Oct 11,20

D-849: Sep 13,16,26, Oct 18,25

CLEETHORPES

D-889: Sep 3(x2),27, Oct 9,19

CLIFDEN

B-869: Sep 3,6,29, Nov 12

ON1334 (13-27): Nov 29

ON1350 (13-43): Sep 3,6, 30, Nov 12

CLOGHERHEAD ON1338 (13-31): Sep 25, Oct 12

CONWY

D-765: Sep 6,7(x2),8,23, Oct 5,12,20

COURTMACSHERRY

HARBOUR

ON1352 (13-45): Sep 1, 2,19

COWES

B-859: Sep 6, Oct 7, Nov 1,8,28,30

CRICCIETH

A-76: Nov 9

B-938: Sep 6, Oct 11

CROMER

D-868: Oct 8

CROSSHAVEN

B-892: Sep 18,28(x2), Oct 20(x2), Nov 2,26,30

CULLERCOATS

B-935: Sep 10,11(x2),19, 20,23(x2), Oct 5,8,19,22, Nov 29

DART

B-931: Sep 9,17,18,19,22, Oct 13,18, Nov 10(x2)

D-838: Nov 10(x2)

DONAGHADEE

ON1225 (14-21): Sep 9(x2), 17,19,21(x2), Oct 1,9

DOUGLAS ON1172 (12-15): Nov 7,9, 11,12

DOVER

ON1220 (17-09): Sep 1,2, 3,4(x2),6,12,14,17(x2),21, 23,24,27, Oct 4,5(x3),11, 15,17,23,24,25,28,30(x4), Nov 2,5(x2),17,30

DUN LAOGHAIRE

D-865: Sep 1(x2), Oct 27, Nov 19 ON1200 (14-05): Nov 5,27

DUNBAR

D-844: Nov 2 ON1266 (14-35): Nov 2

DUNGENESS ON1309 (13-02): Nov 17 ON1319 (13-12): Sep 3, 21, 29, Oct 23,24,25,30 DUNMORE EAST ON1348 (13-41): Sep 16, Oct 14

EASTBOURNE

D-876: Sep 1,3,8(x2),9, 20(x2), Oct 1,4,7(x2),9,10, 11,13,16,17,19,22, Nov 1,2,3,8,9,12,26 ON1197 (14-02): Sep 1,8, 10, Oct 7,14, Nov 3,26,30

ENNISKILLEN

B-912: Oct 10

EXMOUTH

D-805: Sep 11,13,18, 19(x2),21,29, Oct 4,17,20, 25

ON1310 (13-03): Sep 18, Oct 1,21,25 ON1339 (13-32): Nov 27

EYEMOUTH

ON1336 (13-29): Sep 13,23 FALMOUTH

B-916: Sep 1,8,18,22

B-926: Sep 24,28, Oct 11, 14,19(x2), Nov 22,29

ON1256 (17-29): Sep 18,22, 24, Oct 14

FENIT

ON1239 (14-27): Sep 14, Nov 20

FETHARD

D-819: Oct 11 FILEY

B-928: Sep 1,8

D-859: Sep 1,2, Oct 6 FISHGUARD

D-789: Sep 12,20, Oct 9, Nov 1,2

ON1198 (14-03): Sep 5,20, Oct 9, Nov 1,2,10,30 FLAMBOROUGH

B-820: Sep 21,22 FLEETWOOD

D-853: Sep 3,8,13,20,21, Oct 19

ON1321 (13-14): Nov 16 FLINT

D-795: Sep 2, Oct 20(x3), 22, Nov 21 FOWEY

D-817: Oct 14

ON1222 (14-18): Sep 19, 20,21 FRASERBURGH

ON1204 (14-06): Oct 15(x2),17

ON1259 (14-34): Sep 4 GALWAY

B-853: Sep 8,9,19,20, Oct 24, Nov 11,12(x2),22 GIRVAN

ON1330 (13-23): Sep 7 GRAVESEND

B-827: Sep 2,9,13,14, 18,19,20,21(x3), 22(x2), 29, Oct 13,15,16(x2),19, 20,22, Nov 1,2,10,17, 20,27 GREAT YARMOUTH AND GORLESTON

B-925: Sep 6,9,14,15,18, Oct 11(x2),22,24,29

HAPPISBURGH

D-813: Oct 29, Nov 6

HARTLEPOOL

B-881: Sep 3, Oct 15,23,27, Nov 24,26

ON1226 (14-22): Nov 24

HARWICH

B-907: Oct 6,10,16(x2),22, 25,28, Nov 19

B-921: Sep 1,3,4

ON1202 (17-03): Sep 29, Oct 22, Nov 16

HASTINGS

D-835: Sep 3,17, Oct 12,17, 22,26,30, Nov 15,22,26

ON1314 (13-07): Sep 1,10, 13, Oct 12

HAYLING ISLAND

B-829: Sep 8,14,21,28

B-845: Oct 2,16,21, Nov 8, 10,13,20

D-779: Sep 1,8,14,21, Oct 2,16

HELENSBURGH

B-903: Sep 4,5,8,10(x2), 14,15,21,26, Oct 4,14,16, 17,29, Nov 1,3(x2),26

HELVICK HEAD

B-874: Sep 6,15,26(x2)

HOLYHEAD

D-791: Sep 18, Oct 13, Nov 5

ON1205 (14-07): Oct 6 HORTON AND PORT EYNON

D-824: Sep 19,20(x2), Oct 10,26 HOWTH

D-796: Sep 22, Oct 5,7

ON1215 (14-17): Sep 16, Oct 12,14,19,22

ON1258 (14-33): Sep 29

HOYLAKE

H-005: Sep 16,24, Oct 4,15,19,22

HUMBER

ON1216 (17-05): Sep 17

HUNSTANTON

B-848: Sep 4,20, Oct 9, Nov 10,29

H-007: Sep 21(x2), Oct 9,26

ILFRACOMBE

D-809: Sep 7,20, Oct 26, Nov 23

ON1316 (13-09): Sep 3,7,14,19, Oct 24

INVERGORDON

ON1344 (13-37): Sep 13,21, Oct 22,27

KESSOCK

B-873: Sep 6,8(x2),14,18, 21, Oct 31, Nov 1,4,7,10, 13,14

KILKEEL

B-812: Sep 8, Oct 3,16,17

KILMORE QUAY

ON1298 (16-18): Sep 16, 18, Oct 13,31

ON1299 (16-19): Nov 18

KINGHORN

B-836: Sep 2,3,7,14,23, Oct 4,20(x2),22,23, Nov 3, 4,12

KINSALE

B-909: Sep 7,17, Oct 6

KIPPFORD

D-854: Sep 12,21, Nov 15

D-875: Oct 19

KIRKCUDBRIGHT

B-814: Sep 5,11, Nov 13

KIRKWALL

ON1231 (17-13): Oct 5

ON1262 (17-33): Nov 8

KYLE OF LOCHALSH

B-856: Sep 6,14,18, Oct 7, 16,21,25, Nov 1

LARGS

B-854: Sep 2,21(x3),25,28, Oct 16,17, Nov 1

LARNE

D-783: Sep 7

ON1246 (14-30): Oct 13, Nov 4,7

LERWICK

ON1221 (17-10): Oct 6,17

ON1262 (17-33): Sep 11

LEVERBURGH

B-870: Oct 17,27, Nov 13

LITTLE AND BROAD

HAVEN

D-766: Sep 26, Oct 10,28, Nov 2,13

LITTLEHAMPTON

B-891: Sep 2,10,15,23, 26,29, Oct 5,14,21,23

D-769: Nov 2,6

LITTLESTONE-ON-SEA

B-922: Sep 10,14,15,18, 21,27,29, Oct 8,11, Nov 1

LLANDUDNO

D-793: Sep 4,8,18, Oct 15, Nov 12,18,29

ON1325 (13-18): Sep 6(x2), 8,10,23, Nov 18

LOCH NESS

B-902: Sep 20,28, Nov 6

LONGHOPE

ON1284 (16-05): Oct 10, Nov 11

LOOE

B-894: Sep 7,20, Nov 6

D-872: Sep 3,22,23

D-881: Oct 2

LOUGH DERG

B-883: Sep 22, Oct 14

LOUGH REE

B-920: Sep 1,7,10, 15(x3),19, Oct 4

B-941: Nov 19

LOUGH SWILLY

B-819: Sep 11,18

ON1315 (13-08): Sep 25, Oct 3,4,5,7

LOWESTOFT

ON1347 (13-40): Sep 1,2,5, 6,22, Oct 22, Nov 1

LYME REGIS

B-857: Sep 13, Oct 2,13, 18, Nov 7,12

LYMINGTON

B-882: Sep 16(x2), Oct 13,22

LYTHAM ST ANNES

D-800: Oct 3, Nov 16

ON1331 (13-24): Sep 12, Oct 5

MABLETHORPE

B-887: Sep 7,13(x2),16, 21, Oct 19

D-790: Sep 13(x2),16, Oct 19 MACDUFF

B-933: Sep 6,19,20, Oct 22,26, Nov 12,21

MALLAIG

ON1250 (17-26): Sep 3(x2),14,16, Nov 3

MARGATE

B-930: Sep 10,11,15(x2), Oct 15

D-841: Sep 15,23, Oct 20, 30, Nov 6,28

MINEHEAD

B-906: Sep 1,8,16,19,20, Oct 3

D-847: Sep 1,3,8, Oct 3 MOELFRE

D-869: Sep 8, Oct 5

ON1305 (16-25): Sep 18, 20(x2), Nov 17

MONTROSE

D-764: Sep 26, Oct 10(x2), Nov 20

ON1317 (13-10): Oct 10(x2), Nov 20,30 MORECAMBE

D-855: Nov 23

H-002: Oct 15 MUDEFORD

B-806: Sep 7,8,10,11(x2), 14,15,21,29,30, Oct 10,17, 18,30, Nov 5,25,28 NEW BRIGHTON

B-837: Nov 11,14,17

NEW QUAY (CEREDIGION)

D-886: Sep 14, Oct 9,25, Nov 10

ON1355 (13-48): Oct 9, 19, Nov 1 NEWBIGGIN

B-864: Sep 1,3,11, Oct 5 NEWCASTLE (CO DOWN)

D-775: Sep 7,13 NEWHAVEN

D-812: Sep 16,22

ON1243 (17-21): Sep 16, 17, Oct 4,27,31, Nov 14 ON1278 (17-45): Sep 1(x2) NEWQUAY (CORNWALL)

B-936: Sep 10,20, Oct 7, 9,11,12,18, Nov 4,6

D-773: Sep 8,10,15, Oct 1, 9,11,18,21, Nov 6,12 NORTH BERWICK

D-891: Sep 1

OBAN

ON1357 (13-50): Sep 5, 14,28, Oct 11,13,16, Nov 1(x2),12,28,29

PADSTOW

ON1283 (16-04): Sep 6, 14(x2), Oct 9,29, Nov 9,11

ON1286 (16-06): Sep 1

PENARTH

B-839: Sep 16(x2),27, Oct 20, Nov 24

D-822: Sep 15,16, Oct 4, 20, Nov 5,9

PENLEE

B-893: Sep 12,30

ON1265 (17-36): Sep 3, 10,12,17,28, Oct 11, Nov 21

PETERHEAD

ON1282 (16-03): Sep 7, 11,23, Nov 7

PLYMOUTH

B-908: Sep 2,6,7(x2), 8,11(x2),14,17,18(x3), 19(x2),22,29, Oct 6,15(x3), 18,19, Nov3,4,6(x2),10, 12,13,14,17,29,30

ON1254 (17-27): Sep 1, 7(x2),11,18,23,24, Oct 15, Nov 6,10,14,27

POOLE

B-826: Sep 4,17,18(x2), 19, 26,29, Oct 12,14,19, Nov 5,9

D-804: Sep 17,18(x3),20, Oct 11,12,19,22(x2), Nov 9,27

PORT ERIN

B-813: Sep 7

PORT ISAAC

D-843: Sep 13,15, Nov 9

PORT ST MARY

D-873: Oct 2

ON1234 (14-26): Oct 17

PORT TALBOT

D-848: Sep 14, Nov 5, 22,29

PORTAFERRY

B-833: Sep 7,8,14,21,22, Oct 1,28

PORTHCAWL

B-832: Sep 3,7,9, Oct 5(x2),19,27, Nov 2, 12,20

D-861: Sep 22,29, Oct 5, Nov 9,12(x2),20

LR83: Nov 20

PORTHDINLLAEN

ON1304 (16-24): Sep 6, 20, Oct 30, Nov 12,14, 28,30

PORTISHEAD

B-884: Sep 3,8,12,28, Oct 4,25(x2),29, Nov 5

PORTPATRICK

ON1328 (13-21): Oct 13

PORTREE

ON1214 (14-16): Sep 10, 12,13,14,19, Oct 7, Nov 8,25

PORTRUSH

D-871: Sep 7,17,18(x2), Oct 19, Nov 7

ON1257 (17-30): Nov 7, 9,23

PORTSMOUTH

B-846: Sep 19,22, Nov 8

D-850: Sep 1(x2),18,21, Oct 18,25, Nov 8

PWLLHELI

D-811: Oct 27, Nov 30

QUEENSFERRY

B-851: Sep 2,3(x2),4,7, 14,18,22,23,29,30, Oct 4, 5,6,11,13,17,21,23,27, Nov 3,20,28

RAMSEY

ON1349 (13-42): Sep 6,15

RAMSGATE

B-878: Sep 7,14,18, 22(x3),28, Oct 2,21

ON1303 (16-23): Sep 1, 20,21(x2),22,28, Oct 2,3, 4,11,18,23(x2),28

RED BAY

B-843: Nov 6

BB-706: Sep 1

ON1253 (14-32): Nov 4,6

REDCAR

B-858: Oct 31, Nov 3,5,10

D-786: Sep 4,23, Oct 24,31, Nov 2,3,6

RHYL

D-770: Sep 17, Oct 8, 13,23, Nov 23(x2),30 ON1341 (13-34): Sep 13,23, Oct 23

RNLI COLLEGE

B-825: Oct 22

ROCK

D-772: Sep 27, Oct 29(x2) ROSSLARE HARBOUR ON1260 (17-31): Oct 29 ON1276 (17-43): Sep 7

RYE HARBOUR

B-900: Sep 10,15,26,29, Oct 14,18

SALCOMBE

B-905: Sep 19,21,25, Oct 12, Nov 4,27

ON1293 (16-13): Sep 19(x2),22,29, Nov 4

SCARBOROUGH

D-856: Oct 14,15,23,26, Nov 2,6

ON1322 (13-15): Oct 15, 23, Nov 12,18

SEAHOUSES

D-828: Oct 31, Nov 17,18

ON1343 (13-36): Oct 31(x2), Nov 11,18

SELSEY

D-827: Sep 21, Oct 6, Nov 11,15

ON1327 (13-20): Sep 10, 21,29, Oct 13, Nov 5(x2)

SENNEN COVE

ON1294 (16-14): Sep 15, 17,20,26

SHEERNESS

D-799: Sep 1,3(x2),26(x2), Oct 5(x2),6,13, Nov 29

ON1345 (13-38): Sep 4,8, 9, Oct 23, Nov 5,12,22

SHERINGHAM

B-818: Sep 8,16

SHOREHAM HARBOUR

D-784: Sep 9,18,22,26, Oct 5,9, Nov 10,20,21,25

ON1295 (16-15): Sep 10(x2), Oct 5,11,15, 16,23, Nov 19,25

SKEGNESS

D-842: Sep 8,9, Nov 11

ON1324 (13-17): Sep 6,8, Nov 11

SKERRIES

B-866: Sep 7,29, Oct 12

SLIGO BAY

B-888: Sep 1,16,18(x3), 19, Oct 19,28, Nov 5, 16(x2),17

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA

B-885: Sep 4,29(x2), Oct 5,13,20, Nov 5,24

D-818: Sep 19, Oct 13

H-004: Sep 14,15, Oct 6, 10, Nov 6

SOUTHWOLD

B-868: Sep 2, Nov 3

ST AGNES

D-787: Sep 2, Oct 7, Nov 9,10

ST CATHERINE

B-841: Sep 1,19,22, Oct 5,20,21, Nov 9 ST DAVIDS

D-840: Sep 4,17, Oct 13, Nov 2 ON1306 (16-26): Sep 22, Oct 13,26,28, Nov 1,2,30

ST HELIER

B-934: Oct 3

ON1280 (16-01): Oct 20 ON1292 (16-12): Oct 2,3, Nov 9

ST IVES

D-803: Sep 6,8,22,30, Oct 18,27,30, Nov 28,29

ON1318 (13-11): Sep 5, 22,24, Oct 11, Nov 28,29 ON1339 (13-32): Oct 27,30

ST MARY’S ON1229 (17-11): Sep 7, Oct 23

ST PETER PORT

B-943: Sep 1,4, Oct 27, Nov 2

ON1203 (17-04): Sep 4,6 STAITHES AND RUNSWICK

B-897: Sep 9, Oct 15, Nov 3,23

STORNOWAY ON1238 (17-18): Oct 16, 17,24,31, Nov 2,16 STRANRAER

D-833: Sep 5 STROMNESS

ON1236 (17-16): Sep 9, 16(x2),20, Oct 16 SUNDERLAND

B-945: Sep 17,19, Oct 29

D-879: Sep 11,12(x2), 21,22, Oct 19,21,27,31, Nov 14(x2) SWANAGE

T

D-884: Sep 12,13(x2),20, 28(x2), Oct 19 ON1320 (13-13): Sep 2, 12,13(x3),18,20,28(x2), Oct 15,18,28, Nov 1,30 TEDDINGTON

D-785: Sep 21,28,29, Oct 6,11,19,20(x2),30(x2), Nov 5,6,9,10

D-792: Sep 5,14, Oct 6, 11, Nov 9

D-874: Sep 5,11,14, Oct 16 TEIGNMOUTH

B-809: Sep 6,8,19, Oct 21, Nov 2 TENBY

D-858: Sep 1,15,17(x2), 21, Oct 2,18,24, Nov 2,13 ON1281 (16-02): Sep 15, Oct 2,15,24, Nov 24 THE LIZARD ON1290 (16-10): Oct 29 ON1300 (16-20): Sep 1, 10,22(x2), Oct 4 THE MUMBLES

D-761: Sep 18,22, Oct 6(x2),7,9,22

D-895: Nov 13(x2) ON1307 (16-27): Sep 3, Oct 28, Nov 30 THURSO ON1273 (17-42): Sep 24, Nov 6,27,29 TIGHNABRUAICH

B-862: Sep 1,5, Oct 7, 12(x2), Nov 22 TOBERMORY

ON1270 (17-39): Sep 3, Oct 12, Nov 16

TORBAY

D-788: Sep 6,7,9, Oct 1,3, 10,12,16,17,19,24, Nov 8, 20,30

ON1255 (17-28): Sep 6,7, 17,22(x2), Oct 10,17,24, Nov 20,24,30

TOWER

E-07: Sep

2,3,4,5(x2),6,7(x3),8(x2), 9,10(x2),11,12(x5),13(x3), 14(x3),16(x4),17(x5), 18(x3),19(x3),20(x3),21, 22(x4),23(x5),24(x3), 25(x2),26(x2),27(x3), 28(x5),29(x2),30(x4), Oct 1(x2),2(x2),3(x3), 4(x3),5(x2),6(x5),7(x3), 9(x5),10,11(x3),12,21, 22(x3),23(x5),24(x3), 25(x3),26(x3),31, Nov 15, 16(x3),18,19,24(x2),25, 26(x4),27(x2),28(x2),29

E-08: Sep 2(x2),4(x2),5, 28, Oct 14(x2),16(x6), 17(x3),18(x2),19(x3), 20(x3),21,26,27,28,29(x5), 30(x3), Nov 1(x3),3,4(x2), 5(x3),6(x4),7(x2),8(x3), 9(x5),10,11(x3),12(x3), 13(x4),14,20(x2)

E-09: Nov 21(x3),22(x4) TRAMORE

D-781: Sep 20

TREARDDUR BAY

B-847: Sep 6,18,21(x2) TROON

D-821: Sep 1,5, Oct 22, Nov 13

D-851: Sep 22(x2)

D-875: Oct 2

ON1275 (14-38): Sep 1, 22,24, Oct 13, Nov 13,26

TYNEMOUTH

ON1263 (17-34): Sep 11

UNION HALL

B-924: Sep 16

VALENTIA

ON1218 (17-07): Sep 4, 12,16,25, Nov 5,6

WALMER

B-808: Sep 6, Oct 5,11, 23,27,28

D-794: Sep 4(x2),13, Nov 5,26,30 WELLS

D-797: Sep 28, Oct 27, Nov 1,10,26

ON1353 (13-46): Sep 17

WEST KIRBY

D-883: Sep 17, Oct 18,20, 23,31

WEST MERSEA

B-879: Sep 12,13,14,16, 19,21,29, Oct 2,7,11,17, 19,20(x2), Nov 7(x2),17

NAMING CEREMONIES

D-894, Clive Dibbin, relief fleet, 12 September 2024

B-946, Spirit of Cooperation, relief fleet, 12 September 2024

D-883, Leonard Pownall, West Kirby, 21 September 2024

B-938, Frank Townley, Criccieth, 12 October 2024

B-945, SeaGil, Sunderland, 19 October 2024

A BIG THANK YOU

Thank you so much to all the donors and trusts who funded these lifeboats. Pictured is the new lifeboat at Sunderland, SeaGil, generously funded by Beryl Williamson.

Beryl and her late husband Gilbert have been keen supporters of the RNLI. They had always intended to fund a lifeboat on their deaths. However, Beryl decided to fund a lifeboat in her lifetime, in memory of Gilbert. She named the lifeboat SeaGil to reflect Gilbert’s love of the sea, and to include the seagulls who fly with the boats.

WESTON-SUPER-MARE

B-875: Oct 8

D-776: Nov 27

D-832: Sep 17,18,26, Oct 8,26,28, Nov 1,14

WEXFORD

D-782: Oct 27(x2),28,29, 30, Nov 3,4,5,19

D-857: Sep 7

WEYMOUTH

B-917: Sep 4,15,16,17,24, 26,30, Oct 3,5,9,17, Nov 9,14,16

ON1261 (17-32): Sep 6, 13, Oct 5(x2), Nov 15

WHITBY

D-810: Sep 7, Oct 6, Nov 11,27

ON1356 (13-49): Sep 8, 19,26, Nov 18,23,27

WHITSTABLE

B-877: Sep 1,15, Oct 9, Nov 1,2,3

Y

WICK

ON1224 (14-20): Sep 1, Nov 11

WICKLOW

ON1340 (13-33): Sep 17, Oct 17

WITHERNSEA

D-837: Oct 8

WORKINGTON

D-767: Sep 3

ON1326 (13-19): Sep 3

YARMOUTH (IOW)

ON1249 (17-25): Sep 3

YOUGHAL

B-890: Sep 2,16,19, Oct 29

Photo: Phil Lingwood

Special delivery

Your letters, posts and pictures

Meeting your crew

We were lucky enough to be in St Ives for the 200-year RNLI celebration day. We had a great day. My grandson, Evan (7), drew a picture for the crew. The lads on the day were great, taking pictures of Evan and his drawing. Evan tells everyone about the lifeboats and how they save people at sea.

BRIAN JOHNSON

Lifesaving art

I am a young artist with a good head of dark hair, good abs and a cheeky grin (and anybody that says that I am a retired policeman, balding and grey with a dicky heart has obviously met me).

Prior to my police career I used to sail a lot, mostly in circles around the Isle of Wight, but I got to see the RNLI at work on various occasions. I read about the Penlee tragedy and the selfless sacrifice of not just that crew, but of the hundreds of crew over the years.

I have been painting lifeboats, both RNLI and independent, and to date have raised over £5,000 for the various lifeboat charities. My stated aim is to keep painting lifeboats for as long as you lot keep saving lives, so there!

Wellie big fans

We love your magazine and Christmas catalogue – we are big fans of your charity. Our two young boys adore their yellow RNLI wellies and wear them all year round. Our two year old Alfie celebrated his second birthday with this special cake. Keep up the great work!

KATIE BUCHANAN

Evan with his painting for the St Ives crew

DR

NEIL WILKINS

Neil’s based this painting on a photograph by Coxswain Amy Smith

Write to us

Were you moved by a rescue story? Do you want to know more about something you’ve read? We love hearing from you and seeing your photos. Please get in touch with us.

All together now

Share your stories on social media

I thought your readers might like to hear about the new official lifeboats verse I’ve written for the seafaring hymn Eternal Father, Strong to Save. It’s a new fourth verse. It was first sung publicly at the RNLI 200 service on 4 March 2024 in Westminster Abbey and you’ll hear it at RNLI ceremonies.

RICHARD MACDONALD, ANSTRUTHER RNLI

Eternal Father, strong to save, whose arm hath bound the restless wave, who bade the mighty ocean deep its own appointed limits keep: Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, for those in peril on the sea.

O Christ, whose voice the waters heard and hushed their raging at thy word, who walked upon the foaming deep, and calm amid the storm didst sleep: Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, for those in peril on the sea!

O Holy Spirit! Who didst brood upon the waters dark and rude, and bid their angry tumult cease, and give, for wild confusion, peace: Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, for those in peril on the sea!

O Lord, entrust their souls safekeep, as lifeboats plough o’er oceans deep; lend them your courage, strength and grace, to those in peril, they must race: Oh, hear us Lord, a sailor’s plea, guide all who save lives out at sea!

O Trinity of love and power! Shield all of them in danger’s hour; from rock and tempest, fire and foe, protect them wheresoe’er they go: Thus evermore shall rise to Thee glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

Puzzle solution (page 32): IT’S A D CLASS LIFEBOAT. The North Berwick D class was named by donors Nigel and Patricia Gibb. They took the first two letters from each of their children’s names – Susannah, Nigel and Joanna –to make the name SUNIJO

Above: Richard MacDonald

Left: Westminster Abbey, where the new fourth verse was first sung publicly

Photos: Katie Buchanan, Dean and Chapter of Westminster/Picture Partnership, Dr Brian Johnson, RNLI/(Tom Kerley, Nathan Williams), Neil Wilkins

Stormy Stan

Find

Who are you?

Coxswain Stanley Potter – but you can call me Stan. People see me as a mascot or role model. All I know is that I like helping people and I don’t seem to have aged in 4 decades. I spend a lot of time at RNLI events across the UK and Ireland. I love meeting supporters: the young and the young at heart. I love my Storm Force crew mates too, of course.

What is Storm Force?

That’s the RNLI’s club for kids. And we’re celebrating our 40th birthday this year! Me and my crew introduce youngsters to the exciting world of lifeboats and lifeguards, and help them stay safe around the water. They share that knowledge too. Like young Finley Hassall, who saved the life of another lad by remembering water safety tips he’d read magazine. Members get four issues a year – packed with exciting rescue stories, comics, educational features and fun things to make and do. They get welcome goodies and access to my RNLI website too.

Tell us more about your crew mates

Most of them are quirky, talking animals – plus my niece Sandy, who’s an excellent lifeguard. Ruff the dog is my loyal companion. He’s an expert lifeboat mechanic with an outrageous appetite for sausages. There’s also a gang of teenagers who are great at explaining important things in fun ways.

And

your real-life crew mates?

Oh, I’m not one to boast but many Storm Force members grow up to be adult RNLI supporters and lifesavers. Like my mate Mark Pusey who’s a volunteer on Chiswick lifeboat. It’s wonderful knowing you’ve helped to inspire a youngster to go on and do great things.

This interview is dedicated to our volunteers who know what it’s like to be inside Stan’s head – literally!

Photo: RNLI/Mandy Humphries

Track it:

2,000 steps

Swim it: 64 x 25m lengths

Walkies it:

1 x 20–30 minute dog walk (sniff-dependent)

Run it:

1 x 12–15 minute beginner’s jog

Photo: RNLI/Nathan WIlliams

Your RNLI family

The lives and loves of your fellow lifesavers

Puppies onboard!

We’re crowning Loch Ness the cutest lifeboat station of all time, thanks to these adorable puppy-filled photos!

Volunteer Helm Kieron Tarling’s dog Roxy recently gave birth to 11 puppies, and the station’s volunteers have had a great time meeting the delightful pups. They’re each Kennel Club-registered with a lifeboat class-inspired name: Fine Mersey, Strong Severn, Safe Tamar, Amazing Shannon, Saving Trent, Fast Atlantic, Rescue Ruby, Searching Tyne, Bowline Watson, Round Turn Waveney and Famous Arun. We might be biased, but we think their names are great!

There are rumours of a 2026 pet calendar from the station too – watch this space.

They’ve got their hands full at the station!

Following in your footsteps

It was a proud moment for Burnham-on-Sea volunteer Stuart Lacey when his 18-year-old daughter Neve joined the shore crew last November.

Stuart, a helm and station mechanic who joined the crew nearly 20 years ago, says: ‘Neve was born August 2006, turned 18 this year, and signed up on her 18th birthday. She has been brought up around the RNLI and has wanted to follow in my footsteps since she can remember. Neve volunteering with the RNLI has made me very proud.’

Welcome aboard, Neve!

Neve with her father, Helm/Mechanic Stuart Lacey

Sam's legacy will live on

Tobermory RNLI is mourning the loss of Dr Sam Jones, their lifeboat operations manager, who passed away peacefully after a short illness.

Sam joined the crew in 2010 and became extremely passionate about the work and history of the RNLI. She took on several different roles at the station, as well as sitting on the RNLI Scottish Council. She was heavily involved in the planning of the 200th anniversary celebrations and featured in the RNLI’s 200 Voices podcast. Sam was a talented wordsmith and the embodiment of the RNLI’s One Crew ethos.

Sam’s kindness touched so many lives, and her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her. We’re sending love to all of Sam’s loved ones and her RNLI family.

New

to the crew

Gareth Roscoe, his wife Claire and their 13-year-old son Rhys recently moved to Lyme Regis from Bristol – and one of the first things Gareth did was head to the lifeboat station and ask to join the crew. ‘I’ve wanted to join the RNLI as crew for many years, but never lived near enough to a lifeboat station to answer emergency calls,’ he says.

Lifesaving is clearly in the Roscoe family, as his son Rhys is already keen to sign up too. ‘He is a little disappointed that the minimum age to join has now been increased from 17 to 18 years,’ says Gareth. ‘But he just needs to be patient and wait another 5 years.’

Welcome to the crew, Gareth. And we look forward to welcoming Rhys in a few years too!

Gareth’s ready to save lives

Celebrating life

Join us in remembering our RNLI family members who have recently passed away

Mervyn Brown – November 2024

Volunteer at Lough Swilly Fundraising Branch

Irene Burnett – June 2024

Branch Committee Member at Aberdeen and District Fundraising Branch

Jeanette Goodson – October 2024

Founder of Wroxham Fundraising Branch

Bob McLaughlin – October 2024

Volunteer at Whitehaven Branch

Alan Osgood – September 2024

Former Launching Authority at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston RNLI

Séamus Rodgers – November 2024

Chairperson of the Rosses Fundraising Branch

John Shewell – September 2024

Branch Chairperson, Aberdeen and District Fundraising Branch

Tony Thorpe – October 2024

Shop and Visits Volunteer at Lytham St Annes RNLI

Andrew Varney – August 2024

Secretary and Merchandise Secretary of Edenbridge and District Branch

Josh Willder – September 2024

Crew Member at Lytham St Annes RNLI

Photos: RNLI/(Mike Lang, Nick Marks, Nigel Millard, Loch Ness)

Fair winds and following seas, Sam

If you’re struggling in the water ...

Tilt your head back with ears submerged

Relax and move your hands to help you stay afloat

Remember it. Share it.

Photo: RNLI