RNLI Lifeboat Magazine Autumn 2023

FREEZE FRAME

AUTUMN 2023 ISSUE 645

© RNLI 2023. 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 KC (Hon)

Chief Executive: Mark Dowie

Lifeboat Editor: Bethany Hope

Lifeboat Design: Lee Hawkins, Stacey Möller, Emily Scott

Photo: Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Buckie all-weather lifeboats, Craig Meheut

Front cover photograph: Crew Member Lisa Viggers and crew at Tenby, RNLI/Nigel Millard

Contact us

If you have any enquiries – or would prefer not to receive Lifeboat magazine – please email us at: supporterexperience@rnli.org.uk. Alternatively, please call 0300 300 9990 (from the UK), 01 511 9836 (from Ireland) or +44 1202 663234 (from any other country), or write to us at RNLI Support Centre, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ.

Welcome

Bringing you close to your crew

The eagle-eyed among you will notice some small changes to your Lifeboat magazine. You told us in your reader survey that you were mostly happy with it as it is, so rest assured your favourites are still here.

There is an action-packed, 10-page rescue section and crew stories to show you what a difference your membership and donations make. Plus you’ve still got plenty of articles about RNLI history, lifeboats and technology. There’s a new regular photo feature in the centre spread, bringing you closer to your crew.

The paper (fully recyclable) is slightly different, saving our charity around £13,000 a year. This is our watch and we’re doing our best to produce a magazine that will fill you with awe for our lifesavers and pride for being part of the crew. I love hearing from you, so please let me know what you think. Thank you so much,

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 144,000 lives since the RNLI was formed in 1824. Our Water Safety teams help keep people safe at the coast and our International teams work 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

Blind and partially sighted people can choose to receive a free CD or mp3 of the magazine

REGULARS

4 News

Keeping you up to date with everything RNLI

22 Me and my ...

Find out who Crew Member Chris holds dear

30 Shelf life

Browse these book reviews

38 Special delivery

Your letters, posts and pictures

42 Your RNLI family

The lives and loves of your fellow lifesavers

IN DEPTH

18 Life interrupted

Unforgettable pager moments direct from your crew

24 Diamond in the rough

60 years of the D class

29 Lifesaver

Meet Colin, who saves lives at sea

RESCUE

8 Rescue stories

Action stations

10 Torn to shreds

Silver Medal for Penlee RNLI

13 Courage and skill by the sea wall

New Brighton crew in high drama

16

‘Somebody was looking down on him’

A fight for survival

News

Lifesaving recognised

RNLI volunteers and staff have been recognised in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours for their roles in helping to save lives at sea.

Order of the British Empire (OBE)

James Vaughan, RNLI International Director (former)

Denis Woulfe, RNLI Senior Independent Trustee

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

Michael Buckland, Weston-super-Mare Lifeboat Station

British Empire Medal (BEM)

Maureen Morrison, RNLI Arbroath Fundraising Guild

Judith Richardson, Dungeness Lifeboat Station

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

RNLI AGM 2023

At the RNLI Annual General Meeting (AGM) in June, Governors celebrated lifesaving developments and voted on key issues. The recording and the 2022 Annual Report can be found at RNLI.org/AGM2023.

YOUR GUIDE TO EVERYTHING RNLI

Are you an RNLI member?

If so, thank you – your support is making a difference. Shoreline members may notice a name change to their RNLI Membership. You don’t

have to do anything as it’s only a name change, and you can read more about it in the leaflet enclosed. Thank you again for being part of our crew.

Royal visits

In June, RNLI President His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent made two special visits: the naming ceremony for Wells RNLI’s new Shannon

class lifeboat Duke of Edinburgh and then meeting with marine engineering apprentices at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset.

HRH The Duke of Kent talking to Electrical Apprentice Amanda Jones

Happy Birthday Stormy Stan!

Our hero Stormy Stan is celebrating 30 years on the crew. He first appeared in the December 1993 issue of Storm Force, through which he and his young crew have raised a whopping £3M – the equivalent of 35 D class lifeboats. Three cheers for 30 years!

For just £14/ €12.50 a year, you can help your children discover the exciting world of lifeboats and lifeguards. Find out more at RNLI.org/StormForce

The extra mile

Stormy Stan first appeared in our children’s magazine Storm Force in 1993

In brief

Our hidden heroes

Thanks so much to those of you who donated to the Launch appeal earlier this year. Together we raised an amazing £660,000 towards vital launch and recovery equipment for our lifeboats.

84% of our lifeboat stations rely on launching vehicles, like this Shannon launch and recovery system at Dungeness

A massive RNLI thank you to all who took up our Mayday Mile challenge. From backwards-walking Claudine navigating Southend Pier with the help of her friends, to future crew Henry putting in the legwork, and Lily leading the way with a mile a day on her mobility scooter – you all pushed the boat out in your own creative ways.

Together you raised more than £187,000! To each and every one of you, and your donors, thank you.

In the name of love

RNLI lifeboat stations and lifeguard units around the UK and Ireland flew the rainbow flag this summer in support of our LGBT+ lifesavers. Head to RNLI.org/PrideMonth to hear from Brad Johnson, who shares his experience of being a gay volunteer at Skegness RNLI.

Global resolution

The World Health Assembly resolution to accelerate global drowning prevention was adopted in May. Ireland and Bangladesh proposed the resolution and were supported by the RNLI with advocacy and expertise. Find out more about our work overseas at RNLI.org/international

Photos: Mark Bader, Lily Brand, Stephen Duncombe, Mike Patrick, RNLI/(James Stayte, Daniel Wanna, Nathan Williams)

Resolved to prevent drowning at the World Health Assembly

Community

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

SUP Safer partnership launched

Troon RNLI’s Water Safety Team has joined with The Outdoor Partnership and British Canoeing for a new paddleboarding safety initiative. A series of free SUP Safer workshops are being delivered by Adventure Paddle Co at key sites throughout Ayrshire.

Vince McWhirter from The Outdoor Partnership explains: ‘People need to be more aware of offshore winds, tides, currents, safe entry and exit points, and having the correct kit.’

Float to Live

Troon Lifeboat Operations Manager Jim Redmond adds: ‘Paddleboarding is a popular activity along the Ayrshire coast but unfortunately we’ve seen a rise in call outs as a result. We hope this workshop allows those enjoying the activity to develop their skills, enhance their existing knowledge and be able to deal with situations should they arise.’

The return of a Drowning Prevention Week partnership between Hoylake RNLI and the Helen Diamond Swimming School saw over 1,000 Wirral children learn lifesaving skills ahead of their summer holidays. In 39 specially designed swimming lessons, students practised swimming in pyjamas, floating and calling for help. RNLI water safety volunteers spoke with children and guardians alike about how

to keep each other safe on the coast – and RNLI mascot Stormy Stan was there to cheer on the young swimmers!

Helen Diamond says: ‘It’s so important to understand why we learn to swim, how to be safe, and to show adults that sitting on a poolside for years watching swimming lessons can also literally help save a life. I always compare it to learning to read and write –it’s a skill we all need.’

Vince McWhirter with Craig Lawless from the Adventure Paddle Co

Crew climb Errigal

In May, six crew from Arranmore, Bundoran and Lough Swilly Lifeboat Stations made the sweaty climb to the top of Errigal, Donegal’s highest summit, in full kit, to raise lifesaving funds. Inspired by a 10-mile kit walk for last year’s Mayday, the Bundoran volunteers came up with the idea and invited Arranmore and Lough Swilly lifesavers along to climb as one crew.

Used to braving challenging conditions, Aisling Cox and

WHITBY

Brian Proctor (Arranmore), Brian Fowley and Chris Fox (Bundoran), and Barry Nixon and Stephen Quigley (Lough Swilly) put in some training ahead of time before facing the 751m climb. Chris says: ‘While the blisters didn’t settle for a few days, it was still a great experience and a really great fundraising event.’ The crew were supported by Donegal Mountain Rescue Team and raised a fantastic €6,316.

A warm welcome

In June, the crew at Whitby Lifeboat Station brought their new Launch a Memory Shannon class lifeboat home, completing the long passage from the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset. As well-wishers lined the harbour walls, the Lois-Ivan entered the harbour in a flotilla, which included retiring Trent class George and Mary Webb and lifeboats

from neighbouring Scarborough, and Staithes and Runswick.

Whitby Coxswain Howard Fields says: ‘It was a very emotional day. To be part of the town and the RNLI’s history is a real privilege, and knowing how much the lifeboat means to those who have donated to put names on her makes it all the more poignant.’

200 Voices for 200 years

In the run up to our 200th anniversary, enjoy a special podcast series to commemorate our past, celebrate today’s lifesavers and inspire a new generation. Each day, enjoy a new episode bringing stories from people all around the RNLI to life.

Available via RNLI.org/200Voices and on all major podcast platforms.

Stay up to date with the 200th anniversary news at RNLI.org/200

GET INVOLVED

There are interesting and exciting RNLI events happening near you.

To find out what's going on in your area, head to RNLI.org/events

Lifesavers reach the summit as one crew

Lois-Ivan enters Whitby Harbour

Photos: deltacharliedrones.co.uk, Helen Diamond Swimming School, RNLI/(Bundoran, Troon)

RESCUE STORIES

As a 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 PENLEE | PAGE 10

7 NEW BRIGHTON | PAGE 13

8 CAMPBELTOWN | PAGE 16

And for more rescue stories, head to RNLI.org/magazine.

BLOWN OFFSHORE

PRAA SANDS | 28 MAY

On a sunny May bank holiday weekend, Praa Sands RNLI lifeguards made a number of rescues, including a woman who’d been blown offshore on a paddleboard. She was stranded in a little cove. The lifeguards launched their inshore rescue boat, went out to the cove and brought her back to shore. While rescuing her, they noticed two other paddleboarders struggling with the conditions, so helped those casualties back to shore too.

BIZARRE TWIST

FLEETWOOD | 21 MAY

Our volunteers were part of a multi-agency rescue involving the National Coastwatch Institution, HM Coastguard and members of the public. Leigh Woolliscroft, a friend, Leigh’s 9-year-old daughter and their dogs were stranded, cut off by the tide. Leigh recalls: ‘My friend

CAPSIZED DINGHY

GRAVESEND | 4 JUNE

On a hazy summer Sunday evening, lifeboat volunteers kitted up and launched to save a sailor, clinging to a capsized dinghy. The Atlantic 85 lifeboat crew helped the casualty out of the water and checked them over. Thames Commander Connor Edwards recalls that the casualty was cold, but fine thanks largely to the buoyancy jacket worn. The crew righted the damaged dinghy and towed it to the dock.

can’t swim so was really panicking and my daughter was terrified.’ Leigh was grateful to everyone involved in saving them, including the D class lifeboat volunteers. The crew had an unusual welcome back at the station, as a squirrel scrambled aboard the lifeboat!

TRAPPED IN THE WILD

KYLE OF LOCHALSH | 22 MAY

The crew of the B class lifeboat Spirit of Fred. Olsen launched to rescue a hill walker. He was trapped for more than 24 hours on a cliff ledge, in one of the most inaccessible wildernesses in the UK, Kinloch Hourn. For a whole day, the man had no mobile signal, so he couldn’t call for help. After hours of searching, the lifeboat crew located him and by 7.30pm he was reunited with his loving family.

STRANDED YACHT

DUNMORE EAST | 4 MAY

It was nearly midnight when the crew were called into action to help three people on a yacht, adrift off Hook Head. The yacht had lost engine power and all electrics, in challenging weather and darkness. The lifeboat crew launched their Shannon class lifeboat William and Agnes Wray

After a short search, the volunteers located the yacht, checked the yacht’s crew and towed the vessel back to safe harbour.

Photos: RNLI/(Dunmore East, Andrew MacDonald)

The ferocity of the winds that devastated the rigging of a yacht off the Cornish coast took even the lifeboat crew by surprise

Words: Rob Westcott

When Penlee lifeboat crew launched into a storm, they knew they were in for an uncomfortable ride. But that proved the least of their worries during this epic 5-hour rescue.

‘I’ve never known wind like it in 30 years on the crew,’ recalls Coxswain Patch Harvey. ‘A west south westerly, blowing at 65mph, and gusting at 90.’

In huge waves, darkness and heavy driving rain, visibility was poor.

‘We couldn’t see the yacht until we were right on top of it,’ says Patch. ‘The mainsail was ripped to pieces.

The boat had been knocked sideways on to the wind. It was pitching and rolling heavily in the waves, and taking on water.’

There were eight people aboard and the skipper of the French yacht spoke little English. Some of the yacht’s crew were severely seasick. Time running out

‘My first thought was to put one of my crew onboard with a pump,’ says Patch.’ But the 8m swell made it too dangerous to go alongside. My second thought was to abandon

ship, but their liferaft wasn’t big enough for all of the crew. So we had no choice but to try towing them into safer water.’

When the first attempt to tie the tow rope to the yacht failed, Patch estimated the sailors’ yacht was less than a mile from land. The waves were becoming increasingly confused in the shallow seas.

The lifeboat itself was rolling heavily. Solid waves were breaking regularly on the deck and wind-blown spray was completely engulfing the upper steering position, where Patch

was controlling the lifeboat. The lifeboat crew on the aft deck were often up to their waists in moving water, and any of these waves had the potential to wash a crew member overboard.

‘We only had time for one more go,’ recalls Patch. ‘After that, I doubt if we’d have had enough room to get them off safely, if at all.’

A favourable wave set followed by a lull provided the lifeboat crew with the opportunity they needed. Moments later the lifeboat was within a couple of metres of the yacht, close enough to pass the tow rope and shout instructions to the yacht’s crew.

Onboard the yacht, the water was shin high and the sea was continuing to pour in through broken portholes. Fearing the worst, Patch requested a search and rescue helicopter for an immediate air evacuation of the crew.

As both crews waited for the helicopter to arrive, the tow started, the boats inching their way slowly from the shore. The yacht’s crew did their best to bail out by hand. If the yacht started sinking, it would put a huge

strain on the tow rope and the stability of the lifeboat, so the RNLI crew were ready to cut through the tow rope with an axe.

Lives on the line

The sound of rotor blades overhead signalled the arrival of Rescue Helicopter 924 from Newquay. It took several goes to lower a line from the helicopter through what remained of the boat’s rigging. Each time the line got tangled, it had to be cut free. ‘I was concerned the helicopter would run out of line and it’d be up to us to get them off,’ recalls Patch. Thankfully, it was fourth time lucky.

For nearly 200 years, RNLI crews have gone to the rescue of boats with tattered sails. With your help, the Penlee crew aboard the Severn class lifeboat Ivan Ellen continue the tradition

The crew of the lifeboat and the rescue helicopter, recognised for their bravery

‘We train for this scenario, but never in conditions as bad as these’

PATCH HARVEY

‘The helicopter crew did a fantastic job, winching all eight people to safety,’ Patch says. ‘When the last person was taken off I felt very relieved – we all did! We train for this scenario, but never in conditions as bad as these.’

One of our own

By now, Patch was becoming increasingly concerned about one of his own crew members who was suffering badly from seasickness. The plan had been to airlift the seasick crew member off the lifeboat, but the helicopter pilot had to go off to refuel. Now, in addition to towing the yacht, the lifeboat crew had an unconscious casualty to look after too.

‘With everyone safely off the yacht, we could increase our speed,’ says Patch. That enabled us to get him back more quickly, and once in the harbour the inshore lifeboat helped us to get the yacht alongside. Thankfully he started to come round, and for the second time that day, I was relieved.’ ■

A Silver Medal earned

For his exemplary display of courage, leadership and determination to save lives, along with his excellent boathandling skills in extreme weather, Coxswain Patch Harvey is to be awarded a Silver Medal for Gallantry and a Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum.

Mechanic Marcel Le Breton, Navigator James Roberts and Crew Members Will Tremeer, Adrian Thomas, Dan Sell and Trevelyan Worth are all to be awarded Silver Medal Service Certificates for their courage, determination and teamwork under pressure and in extreme conditions.

The crew of the HM Coastguard helicopter based at Newquay will also be presented with a Silver Medal Service Certificate by the RNLI for their outstanding lifesaving actions.

Volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager David Pascoe says: ‘We are all extremely proud of our lifeboat crew for their incredibly brave actions that night. The RNLI does not give out awards for gallantry lightly and to receive these is a great privilege both for the individuals and the lifeboat station.’

Photos: Blast! Films, Stephen Duncombe, Phil Monckton, RNLI/(Nigel Millard, Amy Smith)

‘We are all extremely proud of our lifeboat crew for their incredibly brave actions that night’

Penlee Severn class lifeboat Ivan Ellen

Courage and skill by the sea wall

New Brighton lifeboat crew were put to the test by huge waves, near-gale gusts – and multiple souls in need of saving

Words: Mairéad Dwane

It was Tom McGinn’s birthday on 6 July 2020. Just 2 days after restaurants reopened after the first Covid-19 lockdown. It was a windy morning on the Wirral, but that wasn’t going to stop Tom and his partner Emily Craven from heading out for a special birthday breakfast.

There was one thing that would make them drop everything though – the sounds of their pagers. Tom and Emily are both lifeboat crew members at New Brighton. And, with a report of someone in difficulty in the water, breakfast would have to wait.

Helm Mike Stannard was paged too. On the way to the station, he saw the water and remembers thinking: ‘If it’s by the sea wall, this is going to be interesting.’

The wind was force 6, gusting near-gale force 7 – right at the top end of what New Brighton’s B class lifeboat could cope with. The sea was rough, with 4m swells. Strong onshore winds were making the waves crash into and rebound off the wall. The tide was flooding at a rate of 2 knots, giving those incoming waves even more speed.

Hoylake lifeboat crew was also paged, as backup. Their Shannon class all-weather lifeboat could easily handle a force 7. But with someone in the water in those conditions, the New Brighton volunteers knew they couldn’t wait. They would be going out in the B class and, as a crowd gathered on the sea wall, pointing towards the struggling man, they knew they were heading for that challenging area.

‘There was no pattern to the waves. It was just a mass of water’

Order from chaos

‘When there’s a lot going on, I try to break things down,’ says Mike. ‘So the first thing is to get the launch done safely.’ Mike, Emily, Tom and fellow Crew Member Oz Ramsey were on the water within 11 minutes of being paged. And the onlookers on the sea wall were a real help in finding the drowning man. In fact, someone had thrown him a lifering to help him keep afloat in the churning waves and spray.

Mike turned the boat's bow into the waves and hatched a plan. The sea bed in the area was too hard for an anchor to hold, so veering down was not an option. He was going to have to go in nose-first,

Mike, Cameron, Emily and Tom receive a commendation from Merseyside Police Chief Constable

using all his skill and focus to keep his crew safe. Meanwhile, more information was coming in from the Coastguard over the crew’s headsets. There was another person in the water.

One thing at a time. The easiest way to get the man onboard was to toss him a throw bag and pull him into the (slightly) calmer water further away from the sea wall. ‘I wasn’t sure we’d be able to get the boat close enough without hurting him,’ Mike says. ‘There was no pattern to the waves. It was just a mass of water.’ But they had to try.

The first two attempts had to be abandoned, as the water pulled the man away and waves crashed over the crew. Mike brought them out to sea again, to get ready for a third attempt.

‘I could see a commotion on the rocks further to the east,’ he says, ‘so I assumed that was where the second person in the water was. I knew I wouldn’t be able to get a boat in there; it was too shallow. And we had to focus on the man in front of us.’

‘One mishandling or a second of lost concentration could have seen the lifeboat broadside ... resulting in a capsize’

On the third attempt, Mike got close enough to the man for Tom to fling the throw bag to him. He grabbed hold. While Tom and Emily hauled on the line to bring him to the lifeboat, Mike brought them safely out of the danger zone. It took tremendous skill and seamanship. One mishandling or a second of lost concentration could have seen the lifeboat broadside on to one of the huge, unpredictable waves, resulting in a capsize – and six people in the water instead of two.

The man was tall and exhausted, and it took all of Tom and Oz’s strength to haul him onboard. Emily got him into the recovery position, using her body weight and strength to keep him there

Real-life rescue shot (above): the crew approach the sea wall in the B class lifeboat Charles Dibdin

HRH The Duke of Kent meets Helm Mike Stannard

Mike with his medal, in between Emily and Oz

as the lifeboat bounced about. His name was Niall, and he confirmed there was one other person – a woman – in the water.

On top of the sea wall, the crowd were still pointing at something nearby. Thinking it might be the second person, Mike approached – then got a surprise. ‘I’ll never forget it,’ he says, ‘it was a dog, paddling away. No one had mentioned a dog.’

So they had to try to save the dog too. Out of kindheartedness, yes, but also in case an onlooker might try to save it and get into danger themselves. They got the chocolate Labrador onboard and his connection to the rescue was made clear. He made straight for his owner, Niall, and snuggled up close.

The information coming over the radio was that the woman was now ashore on the rocks to the east. There was nothing the lifeboat crew could do for her. With Niall in rough shape, their priority was to get him into paramedic care – and quickly. Mike requested a net recovery* and, by the time Hoylake all-weather lifeboat arrived, Niall was in an ambulance. He was released from hospital later that evening.

One life lost

Sadly, things had not gone so well in the area to the east. RNLI Lifeguard Cameron Jacobie arrived from nearby New Brighton Beach, where he was on duty. The woman already looked lifeless in the water – it is likely she had drowned before the lifeboat even had a chance to launch.

Cameron was just 18 years old at the time. ‘I started to climb down the rocks,’ he says, ‘and it was quite treacherous. The waves were still pretty bad, but I was getting closer and closer. Then a massive wave completely wiped me out.

‘We could see it was too late for her. So between myself and the police officers who were on scene, we decided that we couldn’t risk any more lives in those conditions.

‘An experience like that – it definitely made me a better lifeguard. I learned more

about myself in those 15 minutes than I had in the previous 18 years.’

Supporting each other

RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards are determined to save every one. It was hard to accept that the sea claimed a life that day, but as time has passed, the remarkable feats of Mike and his crew in saving Niall and Jordy (the Labrador) have sunk in.

Oz says: ‘It took a couple of days to calm down from the adrenaline of it all. People were filming the whole thing, and watching that footage later was something else.’

Emily adds: ‘People were checking in with each other over the phone, and going for coffees, making sure everyone was OK. The crew are amazing. If you need anything, they’re always there.’

Speaking of always, Emily and Tom have since got engaged – on the lifeboat. A lifeboat that’s seen triumph and loss, and so much love.

To see video of the lifeboat crew in action, go to RNLI.org/SeaWall . ■

A Bronze Medal earned

For his skill, determination and courage, Helm Mike Stannard was awarded the RNLI’s Bronze Medal for Gallantry. The crew received Medal Service Certificates.

*For a net recovery, the lifeboat is driven bow-first onto its carriage and caught in a net. It’s most common in rescues like this one, when seas are rough or when time is of the essence

Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Thornton says: ‘Our thoughts are with the family involved. And we are extremely proud of Mike, Oz, Tom and Emily. They worked together as a team and showed an abundance of courage in a dangerous environment.’

Mike adds: ‘It’s an amazing recognition for the station, and all the time and effort people put into their training. No one goes on shouts looking for medals. But it’s a great honour to receive it.’

Photos: Beaumont Photography, Gavin Jones, Nicholas Leach, RNLI/Connor Wray

‘Somebody was looking down on him’

During the summer holidays, Gordon and his family took a trip to the beach. But an innocent paddle in the sea soon became a fight for survival

Words: Tony Karoly

Gordon was spending a sunny Saturday with his nephew David, and David’s two children. They decided to visit the beach in Westport, Argyll, to make the most of the August sunshine.

The weather was fairly calm and sunny. David, his daughter Erin, and Gordon were paddling in the sea, the water coming to just above their knees. As it began to get colder, they started to think about going home.

‘But then the waves seemed to get a bit more aggressive,’ Gordon says. ‘At that point, I was the furthest out from the beach. Erin got caught in a wave. I grabbed her and threw her to her dad.’

In throwing Erin over the waves, Gordon lost his balance. ‘I felt myself being dragged

out to sea. I tried to grab hold of David, but I couldn’t reach him. I was pulled under the water and the next thing I know, I’m 30–40 yards from the beach.’

The others had scrambled up the beach to safety, but Gordon was struggling in the water. ‘I was panicking at that point,’ says Gordon. ‘I didn’t understand what was happening to me. I was lying on my back so I could regulate my breathing better. I knew I was in trouble because I was getting further from the beach.’

People on the beach began to grab their phones and call 999.

‘You believe, you hope and you pray that help will come soon, but I had no sense of time,’ says Gordon. ‘I was thinking: “I don’t think they’re going to get here. I’m not

The Campbeltown crew aboard the D class lifeboat Alastair Greenlees

‘It was just totally hopeless. I was swimming and still going out further’

sure how I’m going to get back”. It was just totally hopeless. I was swimming and still going out further.’

The emergency services swiftly responded to the calls for help, and soon arrived at the beach.

‘When I turned to look at the shore, I was probably a quarter of a mile out. I could see blue lights near the car park, which gave me hope,’ Gordon says. ‘I knew people were out there, but it was very quiet. I couldn’t hear voices, I couldn’t hear the sirens, I could only hear the noise of the sea.’

‘At some point, the swell turned me,’ he says. ‘When I came back around, I remember a group of seagulls landing in the water very close to me. I was thinking: “I wish you guys could lift me out of the water to take me to the beach.” I was just lying there, facing the sky, and hoping that help would come. I don’t know how long it was, but I must have blacked out.’

Meanwhile, the Campbeltown crew were launching their lifeboat. On the crew that day were Helm Gregor Menzies, William Livingstone and Michael Smith.

Gregor, who was at the helm of the inshore lifeboat, navigated to Gordon’s last known position and the crew scoured

the water. ‘We came over the crest of a wave,’ recalls William. ‘Then I spotted him lying face down. There was a seagull beside him, which drew my attention.’

All three crew members worked together to get Gordon onboard the lifeboat. He was unconscious, so the crew started CPR straight away.

As the D class lifeboat arrived ashore, Campbeltown Coastguard helped get Gordon from the lifeboat to the beach. Local paramedics from the Scottish Ambulance Service then stepped in to relieve the Campbeltown crew members. Thankfully, Gordon started breathing. Police Scotland officers helped to clear the area, while the Campbeltown Coastguard Rescue Team set up a landing site for the helicopter. Within minutes, Gordon was on his way to Glasgow to receive specialist care.

After spending nearly 2 weeks recuperating in the hospital, Gordon was finally able to return home to his family. Reflecting on that day, he says: ‘I have many people to thank for being here. I continue to think about the impact that people have on your life, and the impact your life has on others. But you don’t think about that until these events happen.’ ■

Lifesaving intervention

‘If you find yourself in trouble, like Gordon did, please remember to float to live. I remember I was on suction at one point, trying to keep his airway open and clear. Then the casualty started breathing on his own. Somebody was looking down on him.

Somebody was looking down on that guy.’

Campbeltown volunteers (l–r): William, Gregor and Michael

Photos: RNLI/Carla Jackson

WILLIAM LIVINGSTONE CREW MEMBER, CAMPBELTOWN RNLI

LIFE INTERRUPTED

The rescues you’ve read about in your Lifeboat magazine all began with one thing – the pager bleeping, sounding the alarm. And sometimes, the stories of when the pager went off become as legendary among the crews as what happened out at sea

Words: Mairéad Dwane

When Deano’s pager went off in a supermarket, the security guard thought it was the anti-theft alarm

It’s likely that quite a few Lifeboat magazine readers have imagined what it would be like to be an RNLI crew member.* Crashing through waves, plotting a course … being woken up at 3am by a wailing pager. It’s the classic pager moment; one that crew partners all over the UK and Ireland have become quite used to.

Of course, the call for help can come in at any time of the day. And it’s not just sleep that gets interrupted. Your lifeboat volunteers will drop whatever they’re doing when the pager goes off. It’s a total commitment to saving every one. A commitment that has led to some memorable moments.

Raise the alarm

It was ever thus. Stories like these have been doing the rounds since before the pager was even invented. In the 1950s, volunteer lifeboat crews were summoned by the firing of loud rockets called maroons. These sudden explosions would be quite

alarming for any of us, and the people of Britain had just lived through the Second World War.

The September 1952 issue of The Life-boat tells the story of how an RNLI volunteer’s evening chat with a friend was interrupted: ‘As they talked they watched an aeroplane passing overhead. It was just above them when the life-boat maroon sounded and the motor mechanic ran for the boathouse. When he arrived he turned round and saw the woman struggling after him. He asked her what was the matter and she said that she was running for the boathouse for shelter. She thought that the maroon was a

Being woken up at 3am by a wailing pager. It’s the classic pager moment ... a total commitment to saving every one

INTERRUPTED

bomb from the aeroplane and that war had broken out.’

Suspicious activity

Happily, our more recent pager moments have been less frightening. Though being chased is still a recurring theme.

Deano Allan from Kessock got the call while picking up groceries. ‘Just as I was walking past the security barrier, the pager went off, so I automatically turned and ran out,’ he says. ‘I was heading across the car park, and then I realised the security guard was running after me and shouting at me to stop. He thought the alarm sound was his security barrier gone off.’

Deano quickly explained himself, showed the guard his pager, and was allowed to continue on his way to help the person in need.

The interrupted shopping story is quite a common one – trolleys have been abandoned in the aisles of most seaside supermarkets at one time or another. But Deano’s story takes the biscuit. Even though he himself was categorically not stealing biscuits.

* We know that quite a few of you are or have been crew members, so if you can beat any of the pager stories above, we’d love to hear from you. Email lifeboat@rnli.org.uk .

The chase

There was another brush with the law in Oban, when Finlo Cottier, David Isaac and Ian Stevenson’s trip to the pub was cut short. They’d just sat down when the call came in.

David says: ‘Finlo was still wearing his jacket so ran out of the pub. Ian and I had to get our jackets off hooks under the bar, then ran out after him.

‘The police were sat round the corner and they saw one guy running out of the pub, and then, a few seconds later, two guys chasing him.

‘The police shot off down the street, overtaking us to “save” Finlo by getting him into their van. Ian and I just thought he’d arranged a lift so we piled into the back as well. The police thought they’d made the easiest arrest ever! Then we showed them our pagers and they drove us to the lifeboat station.

‘When we arrived in the police van, the duty coxswain said: “I don’t want to know, just get on the boat!”’

‘Would you like that to go?’

Meanwhile, in Tynemouth, another pub, another pager. ‘I met a friend I hadn’t seen in ages for a meal,’ says Crew Member James Waters. ‘Their pie and mash is famous, and I was excited for him to try it. We’d just got down to catching up

and the pager went, for a broken-down fishing boat 20 miles offshore. I ended up eating a snack tub of Pringles on the aft deck of the Severn. It wasn’t really the same.’

Interrupted meals are common for lifeboat volunteers. You could say that the microwave is the most important piece of kit in a crew member’s family home.

Keeping our vows

Few sounds are as joyous as wedding bells. And when those bright peals are joined by shrill beeps, it has been known for pals of the bride and groom to dash away from the celebration and out to sea.

Lough Swilly Helm Francy Burns married his partner Helen in front of family and friends, and had just taken the microphone to make his speech when the pagers went off. Francy says: ‘I’d just married the most amazing woman, but when I saw the crew head out for the lifeboat shout my first thought was to follow them.’ The coxswain assured Francy that the all-weather lifeboat crew had it covered, and that he could stay put and enjoy his special day. The volunteers returned to the party a few hours later, having rescued the crew of a drifting boat with engine failure.

We should say here that any on-call crew member at any kind of party will be staying sober and ready to rescue.

Saving lives in style

It’s a good job that a frightened person in danger doesn’t much care what their rescuers look like. Sam Turner says: ‘For Whitstable lifeboat’s first shout of the

Finlo (bottom right of the picture) had a run in with the police when his pager went off

An eventful wedding day for Helm Francy and his partner Helen

year, I was halfway through my haircut when the pager went off. I dashed out of the barbers and ran to the station. Most of the back was missing! Len’s Barbers kindly fitted me in later in the day to finish my trim.’

As an open-water swimming coach and lifeboat crew member, Ally Brisby from Whitby always has the right safety gear. ‘I was enjoying a sea swim,’ she says, ‘and in my tow float I had my keys and my pager. The pager went off, and I made it to the station from the beach, half dressed, just in time to see the lifeboat launch.’

While these pager moments might seem inconvenient, every crew member wants to make it to the station in time for the shout. It’s part of the drive to save every one. In Ally’s case, other volunteers just beat her to it – this time.

Beep beep!

Teachers, nurses, builders, engineers … RNLI volunteers have all sorts of day jobs. This means they bring a whole host of skills to their lifesaving roles. It also means work interrupted.

Richard Howlett from Littlehampton is a taxi driver. ‘I had just picked up a lady who was going to the supermarket when my pager went off,’ he says. ‘I said to her: “I’m sorry, can I drop you at the cab rank on the way through?” She replied: “I would quite like to see the lifeboat being launched.” She’d never seen the lifeboats in action before, so I jokingly said she could watch from the car and she said: “That would be lovely!”

‘We got stood down outside the harbour entrance and returned to the boathouse.

To my amazement, the lady was still in my cab watching it all. So I quickly got changed, and took her on to the supermarket. ‘The meter was on but she did end up with a free trip that day – I couldn’t charge her! She told me it was the most excitement she'd had in ages, so a happy customer.’ And that’s the kind of dedication your RNLI volunteers show. Not just to their fellow crew and to those in need, but also to their communities at large. It’s always a thrill to see lifeboat crew on their way to a shout. But they wouldn’t be able to do so without the understanding of employers, local businesses and, of course, families. Nor without your kind support. ■

‘I was halfway through my haircut when the pager went off. I dashed out of the barbers and ran to the station’

SHORE CREW ALERT!

It’s not just seagoing volunteers who get paged. The shore crew are also needed to launch the lifeboat.

Ilfracombe’s Mark Gammon remembers the first time his pager went off: ‘It was a miserable, cold Sunday afternoon, and I decided I would go for a little rest wrapped up in a sleeping bag. When the pager sounded I was totally trapped in my sleeping bag. Dad was downstairs in the lounge and could hear all this banging commotion. He found me totally stuck. He had to get scissors and cut me free!’

This all took just a couple of minutes, and despite the shaky start, Mark made it to the station in time to help launch the lifeboat. He’s now been answering that pager for 25 years.

Volunteers like Sam drop everything to go the rescue – even at a crucial point in a haircut!

Photos: RNLI/(Stephen Lawson, Sam Turner, Nathan Williams)

Volunteer Helm

Chris Gatenby holding a photo of his late father, Peter Gatenby. Peter was part of the original West Kirby lifeboat crew from 1966 until his death in 1979

Me and my ... Dad

Have you ever wanted to know more about the life and loves of our lifeboat volunteers? Here, West Kirby Helm Chris reveals what’s dear to him

I remember sitting in the back of the Land Rover as a child, watching dad launch out to sea through my binoculars and listening on the radio. Off he’d go, and before long he’d come back with some poor, bedraggled person who’d been caught out by the sea.

I joined the lifeboat crew as soon as I could – Dad was suddenly taken from us in 1979, when I was 7 years old. He was my hero. I wanted to make him proud. Thirty-one years later, I’m still here. My wife, Lindsay, is on the lifeboat crew too and my two daughters want to join as well, so it’s really a family affair. The people I serve alongside here at West Kirby are the best. And I know that we are standing on the shoulders of giants. ■

Photo: RNLI/David Edwards

Powered by your kind support, the beloved D class lifeboat has been saving lives for an incredible 60 years. In its diamond anniversary year, let’s see how far it has come

Words:

Charis Walker

OFTHEDCLASSLIFEBOAT

Back to the start

Up until the 1960s, few people went out to sea for leisure purposes. Not many could afford yachts or motorboats, and those who could were usually experienced sailors who had respect for the sea. Some of the popular watersports of today were yet to be invented. But, in the 1960s, it all changed.

Dinghy sailing, diving, inflatable airbeds – people discovered new, affordable ways to enjoy the seaside. They quickly became very popular. However, as many people had little experience or knowledge of the sea, they were putting themselves in danger.

The number of shouts for the lifeboat volunteers around the coast increased dramatically. Plus HM Coastguard asked the RNLI to assist with people cut off by the tide. But the lifeboats of the time were not designed for quick rescues in shallow, rocky waters. Large, heavy, and often housed a distance from the launch site, it could sometimes take half an hour to get a lifeboat to the water. A simple, high-speed rescue craft was desperately needed.

Giving inflatable lifeboats a chance

In the late 1950s, many RNLI people didn’t believe that an inflatable boat powered by an outboard engine would be a suitable, or reliable enough, craft for lifesaving.

That is, until Lieutenant David Stogdon and Captain Tony Wicksteed decided to give inflatable boats a chance. Tony wrote: ‘It was, I think, in 1962 when David Stogdon came into my office with his astounding idea of using inflatable boats for fast inshore rescue work. I had long considered that there was a need for more speed and faster launching … I thought these inflatables might be the answer to the problem.’

D class lifeboats have saved more than 18,700 lives since 1963

After much hard work, research, and trialling boats themselves, the pair were convinced that inflatable lifeboats were what the RNLI needed. Tony put forward a case for the trials to be done at lifeboat stations.

The case was accepted. Tony wrote: ‘The inshore rescue boat, as it was then called, had arrived, and the inflatable lifeboat and its derivatives were here to stay.’

A great success

In the summer of 1963, inshore rescue boats were trialled at eight lifeboat stations around the coast, including Aberystwyth, Southwold and Redcar. The 4.88m long lifeboats were made from tough nylon material that had

been proofed with neoprene. Their 40hp outboard engines gave them a top speed of 20 knots.

The inflatable lifeboats were able to go alongside other craft or casualties in the water without causing any damage. They were quick to launch, only needing a total of four people to get them into the water and on the way to the rescue.

In that first year, those eight trial lifeboats launched 39 times, saving a total of 10 lives. The following year,

19 more were placed on service. By 1966, the number of inflatable lifeboats at stations in the summer months had risen to 72.

Inspiring the B and C class

The D class quickly became known as the ‘workhorse of the RNLI’, saving many lives around the coast. Its incredible success opened the doors for more inshore lifeboats to

D class models through the years

Lieutenant David Stogdon and Captain Tony Wicksteed on an early model of the D class

The D class Avon EA16

The current model of D class, the IB1

The D class Avon S650

The first D class model, the RFD PB16

be developed. This included the B class in 1972 – the first rigid inflatable lifeboat.

While the B class could cope with tougher conditions at sea, the D class continued to be ideal for rescuing casualties from hard-to-reach places, close to the shore.

Until the late 1990s, the D class lifeboat was only able to operate during daylight hours. That’s why, in 1972, C class lifeboats were introduced. They were also inflatable and visually very similar to the D class. But the C class was slightly larger and had twin outboard engines, giving it the ability to launch to the rescue at night and endure rougher conditions.

Over time, the technology of the D class lifeboat improved, and they were able to operate in the day and night. This, combined with the continued success of the B class,

meant that C class lifeboats were no longer needed, which is why you won’t see them in service around the coast today. The last C class lifeboat was built in 1990.

The D class lifeboat continued to be developed. In the mid-1980s, the D class EA16-type was built. It was used until the early 2000s, when, with all the recent advances in technology, the RNLI decided it was time to assess the D class EA16 and see if they could improve it.

Introducing the IB1

As a result, in 2003, a new model of D class was born – the IB1 (Inshore Boat 1). The product of the hard work of a team of designers, engineers, boat builders and RNLI crew members, the IB1-type D class is the version you will see at lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland today.

While the IB1 looks similar to the former model, EA16 (it’s the same shape, size, weight and colour), it’s really a very different craft. It’s much faster and stronger thanks to some important improvements.

The IB1’s engine is more powerful, which increased the D class’s top speed from 20 knots to 25 knots –vital for reaching casualties in time. A new fibre reinforced composite structure replaced the old marine plywood, giving the D class greater, longer-lasting strength.

The fixed installation chart plotter with GPS (global positioning system) dramatically improved navigation, helping the lifeboat crew locate casualties as quickly as possible. Plus dedicated storage lockers were added to the bow pod, keeping lifesaving equipment dry and freeing up much-needed space.

LIFEBOAT

STATIONS WITH A D CLASS TODAY

One of the first trials of the D class at Aberystwyth RNLI

Criccieth RNLI’s C class lifeboat in 1991

In 2022, D class lifeboats launched to the rescue 2,645 times

110 (46%) of the 238 RNLI lifeboat stations have a D class lifeboat

The D class of today

Today, you can find a D class lifeboat at just under half of all RNLI stations. In its 60 years, this versatile vessel has saved thousands of lives. Families who are cut off by the tide, fishers who find themselves drifting at sea with engine failure and children like Ravi Saini, who got pulled out to sea while paddling.

The D class’s fantastic design continues to enable lifeboat volunteers to quickly reach people in desperate need.

Now, these inshore lifeboats operate day and night, summer and winter. With night vision equipment, searchlights and parachute illuminating flares to light up the area, they can locate casualties in the dark. Travelling at their top speed (25 knots), they can endure 3 hours out at sea on search and rescue missions.

The D class lifeboat’s development and lifesaving service over the last 60 years has only been made possible by generous donations. Loyal supporters like you have been powering these lifeboats to each one of the thousands of rescues they have launched to. And, your continued kindness will be the fuel that keeps them saving lives at sea for the years to come.

‘It packs a punch’

‘The D class is a versatile rescue asset that packs a punch for its size. While an all-weather lifeboat can go out in heavy seas and bad weather, the D class can get us into all the areas that they can’t reach – close into rocks, shallow water and in the surf. It excels at the fast-moving rescues where we need to get in quick and pull someone out of the water.

‘It’s a pretty rough ride on a D class – you definitely feel it the next day. But we really wouldn’t want to be without it. There’s a very particular kind of thrill that you get from carrying out rescues and saving lives on a D class.’

A D class for the 21st century – the IB1 at Port Talbot (2009–2020)

‘I didn’t see the lifeboat, I heard it – tiny splashes. So I started shouting and then I was like, “Yes, they came to get me. I’m going to get a second chance to live!”’

RAVI SAINI

BEN PHILLIPS, CREW MEMBER, BARRY DOCK RNLI

‘Being a helm of a D class lifeboat is a privilege. I love the D class’s power and capability – it makes such a difference in saving lives at sea’

ALAN FLOOD

D CLASS HELM, CONWY RNLI

TAKE A TOUR OF THE D CLASS

BOW POD LOCKERS

There are lockers and flaps on the bow pod. Inside, important medical and operational equipment is stored. This includes oxygen and a full resuscitation kit and an anchor.

AT THE HELM

The helm of the D class steers with the stick on the engine, which also has throttle controls.

STRUCTURE

The lifeboat has a strong fibre reinforced composite structure.

FABRIC

The D class fabric is Hypalon-coated polyester, which is very durable and holds a consistent shape.

RIGHTING

If the lifeboat were to capsize, it can be righted manually by the crew. The engine can be restarted.

OUTBOARD PETROL ENGINE

The D class engine is a Mariner 3-cylinder, 2-stroke, 0.7 litre outboard petrol engine. It produces 50hp, giving the lifeboat a top speed of 25 knots.

COMMUNICATION

VHF radio and intercom ensure good communication, for example between the crew and the coastguard.

DECK

When at sea, the lifeboat crew members kneel on the padded deck.

NAVIGATION

There is an onboard enhanced GPS (global positioning system) with integrated plotter, so the crew can plan their route.

D class lifeboats are built and maintained at the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Centre on the Isle of Wight Photos: Martin Fish, RNLI/(David Edwards, Nigel Millard, Nathan Williams)

Colin

McHardy

Find out how Colin is helping to save lives at sea with his RNLI membership

How did you learn about the RNLI?

I’m from Dundee and have lived here pretty much all my life. We have a couple of lifeboat stations nearby: Broughty Ferry RNLI and Arbroath RNLI. I first started supporting when I was a civil servant around 20 years ago and the RNLI was our department charity. I signed up to give a few pounds a month from my salary. Before that I played in a brass band in Arbroath and they did a lifeboat service – the RNLI is a big part of the local community.

What keeps you supporting the charity?

It’s a worthwhile cause and you really feel that from reading the rescues in the magazines and seeing wider things going on – like how the volunteers are helping refugees in the English Channel. I decided to put something in my Will for the RNLI and, before the pandemic, I was invited to have a tour of Anstruther Lifeboat Station. I really appreciated it. The station had a museum and a shop and it was really nice to see. I also saw how the lifeboat launched – I didn’t know how it did that!

Did you ever consider joining the crew?

I wouldn’t be brave enough myself to go out on a lifeboat. So if I’m able to give them a helping hand a little bit with my money each month, I’m glad to help.

When did you join us?

I signed up as a member a few years back – if I'd have known earlier that a monthly donation could make you a member, I would have joined years ago. I used to donate through monthly payroll giving from my salary when I was a civil servant. Now I donate from my pension, giving what I can to the RNLI appeals; I never ignore the mailings. I also support with a regular monthly donation to pay for my membership and I'm very pleased to do it. ■

Photo: Colin McHardy

SHELF LIFE

The nights are drawing in; the leaves are changing colour –it’s time to cosy up near a crackling fire and dive into a nautical yarn

Reviewed by: Emma Beattie, David Callow, Lydia Cooke and Kevin Hill

Just Add Water

by Sarah Henshaw

Britain’s Living Seas

by Hannah Rudd

In partnership with The Wildlife Trusts, marine biologist Hannah Rudd celebrates the breathtaking underwater world that surrounds Britain. With beautiful photography and vivid descriptions, Rudd shares her passion for these incredible habitats so close to our shores, while offering simple suggestions for ways we can adapt our lifestyle to help conserve them.

30 Lifeboat autumn 2023

EDITOR’S

The UK is blessed with a glittering plethora of canals, rivers and lakes – and, in this helpful handbook, you’ll discover 100 new ways to enjoy them. Brought to life by vibrant images and illustrations, as well as clear and concise guides on everything from fishing and foraging to crafts and coracle building, Just add Water provides everything you need to recharge and reawaken your sense of adventure on inland water. With recommended locations across the UK, you’ll have an expert in your pocket to offer advice on everything from day trips to safety and accessibility. There’s something for everyone – dive in!

We also learn about the diverse and surprising species that call our seas home: from the more familiar grey seals to lesser-known creatures like the orange-clubbed sea slug. This book is a must-read for nature enthusiasts, conservationists and anyone curious about life under the seas that surround us.

Search and Rescue: True Stories of Irish Air-Sea Rescues and the Loss of R116

by Lorna Siggins

The coastal and offshore waters of Ireland, especially on the wild Atlantic side, have seen many accidents, shipwrecks and tragedies. The introduction of rescue helicopters helped reduce, but by no means eliminated, these fatalities.

In her gripping book, Lorna Siggins, a former Irish Times marine correspondent, shares stories of Irish air-sea rescues. She forensically examines the systemic flaws that led to tragedies such as the Rescue 116 crash. She also recounts successful rescues where the courage and selflessness of members of the Irish Coast Guard, the RNLI (to whom she donates the proceeds of this book) and the Air Corps have saved countless lives.

Published by Merrion Press

Price: £14.99/€16.95

Why not join us?

Published by Adlard Coles Price: £10.99

Home Waters by David

Bowers

Home Waters is a fascinating look at how the sea has defined Britain – and influenced the course of its history – for thousands of years. In this eye-opening tour of the coast that combines oceanography and maritime history, David’s knowledge and passion shines through.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the water, from the deep waves that travel from the southern hemisphere to batter our western shores to the unique double tides of the Solent that made Southampton the port it is today.

It’s an enlightening read, and you’ll never look at the coast in the same way again.

Handbook of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises

by Mark Carwardine

Zoologist and broadcaster Mark Carwardine packs a wealth of information into his handbook. It’s a comprehensive guide to 90 species of cetaceans – from the blue whale to the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise – with many of the world’s most respected whale biologists collaborating on the text. You’ll be fascinated by the behaviours, life histories and habitats of every species of whale, dolphin and porpoise.

Published by Bloomsbury Wildlife Price (hardback): £35

Are you an armchair explorer? 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.

The beautiful illustrations are truly something to behold, with over 1,000 detailed drawings dotted throughout the guide. Suitable for nature lovers and marine specialists alike, this handbook and the magnificent animals it contains should be appreciated by all.

lifeboat@rnli.org.uk

LAUNCHES

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

A ABERDEEN

D-830: Apr 8,29, May 9,

23,28

ON1248 (17-24): Apr 7,8, May 9,15,23

ABERDOVEY

B-896: Apr 7,10, May 6

ABERSOCH

B-886: Apr 2,7,8, May 6,

12,26,28, Jun 2,7,10

ABERYSTWYTH

A-78: May 8,11,26, Jun 6,22

B-822: May 8,11,13(x2),

18,26, Jun 6,9,18,22

ACHILL ISLAND

ON1240 (14-28): May 15

AITH

ON1232 (17-14): May 11,30

ALDEBURGH

D-762: Apr 2

D-808: Apr 16

ON1170 (12-13): Apr 1, Jun 16

ALDERNEY

ON1199 (14-04): May 21,

25,27

AMBLE

D-867: Apr 30, May 1,12, 15,29, Jun 13,24,29

ON1323 (13-16): Apr 27, Jun 13,24

ANGLE

ON1286 (16-06): May 14, Jun 4,5,11,16(x2),18(x2), 23,24,25

ON1291 (16-11): Apr 3,6, 7(x2),9,16,24,25,28,29

(x5), May 3,6,7,8, Jun 29

ANSTRUTHER

D-802: Apr 14, May 9, 14,30, Jun 17,24

ON1174 (12-17): May 9, 14, Jun 17

APPLEDORE

B-861: Apr 22, May 2,20, 21,22,23,28,29,30, Jun 6, 13,14,16,17,26

D-729: Apr 2, May 29, Jun 15,20,22

ON1293 (16-13): Apr 21, May 21,28, Jun 6

ARAN ISLANDS

ON1217 (17-06): Apr 12, May 11,16,17,28(x2), Jun 3(x2),4,5(x2), 10,14(x2),19,24

ARBROATH

ON1194 (12-35): Apr 3

ARKLOW

ON1223 (14-19): Apr 3,15, Jun 5,7,8

ARRAN (LAMLASH)

B-876: Jun 11

ARRANMORE

BB-067: Jun 22

BB-730: Jun 14

ON1244 (17-22): Jun 4, 10,13,22,25

ON1262 (17-33): May 9, 13(x2),17

BALLYCOTTON

ON1233 (14-25): May 19, Jun 25

BALLYGLASS

D-823: Apr 10,16

BALTIMORE

B-910: May 28,31, Jun 3

ON1302 (16-22): Apr 20, 24,25, Jun 4(x2),6,26

BANGOR (CO DOWN)

B-805: Apr 4,8,22,23, May 4,7,17,21,28,31, Jun 4,21,22,24

BARMOUTH

D-814: Apr 27, May 20, 29(x2), Jun 9,18,24

BARRA ISLAND

ON1230 (17-12): Apr 23, May 6, Jun 9,12

BARROW

D-866: Apr 26,30, May 30, Jun 3

ON1288 (16-08): Apr 16,20, Jun 28

BARRY DOCK

D-820: Apr 4,30, May 1, 11,14,18,19,26, Jun 12, 14,17,28

ON1245 (14-29): May 6, 11,14, Jun 3,8,28

BEAUMARIS

B-838: Apr 8,10, May 6,21,29, Jun 9, 11,12,16,26

BEMBRIDGE

D-778: Apr 3,10(x2), 11,18, May 23,26, Jun 2, 4,5,11,13,24,25

ON1297 (16-17): Apr 3,9, 11,30, May 4,5,14,20,30, Jun 2,3(x2),6,11,23,29(x2)

BERWICK-UPON-TWEED

B-913: May 31

D-777: Jun 2

ON1191 (12-32): Apr 5(x2)

BLACKPOOL

B-867: Apr 5,20, May 31, Jun 4,10(x2),11

D-862: Apr 5,21,27(x2), 29(x2), May 5,7,19,20(x2), 27(x2),28,30,31, Jun 3, 4(x2),9,10,11,12,15,25,27

D-864: Apr 11(x2),21, 27(x2),29(x3), May 5,6,7, 9,20(x2),30,31, Jun 4, 10(x2),11(x2),15(x2)

BLYTH

B-923: Apr 4, May 9

D-746: Apr 16, May 25, Jun 10

BORTH

D-760: Apr 24,29, May 6, 31, Jun 4,14

BRIDLINGTON

D-852: May 21, Jun 11,18

ON1329 (13-22): Apr 19, 22, May 28

BRIGHTON

B-852: Apr 11,14,20(x2), May 5,14,15,17,21,24,27, Jun 1,13,17,28

BROUGHTY FERRY

D-834: May 1,5,10,14,20, 27,29(x2), Jun 1,8,13,14, 15,19,21(x2),22,24,25(x2)

ON1252 (14-31): Apr 7, May 14,20,27,29, Jun 1, 8,13,14,19,21(x2),25

BUCKIE

ON1268 (17-37): May 2, Jun 15,16,22

BUDE

D-756: Apr 4,7,8,21, May 13,19, Jun 3,4,6,9

RWC-129: Apr 7,8, Jun 9

BUNDORAN

B-834: May 27,31, Jun 4

2,767

RNLI RESCUE CRAFT LAUNCHES

1 April to 30 June 2023

The launches listed are those for which returns had been received at the RNLI Support Centre and processed by 12 July 2023.

BURNHAM-ON-CROUCH

B-849: Apr 1(x2), Jun 17, 18,24,25

D-807: Apr 1, May 14

BURNHAM-ON-SEA

B-914: May 3

D-801: May 3

BURRY PORT

B-915: Apr 7,8,22, May 4,21, Jun 2

D-749: Apr 8,19,22,26, May 1,2,15,24,26,29,31, Jun 4,11,16,17,18,20,21

CALSHOT

B-860: Apr 10,19, May 9(x3),21,28, Jun 11(x2),19,25

D-748: Apr 10,19, May 10(x2),26(x2), Jun 9,17,18

CAMPBELTOWN

D-870: May 10,23, Jun 6,27

ON1241 (17-19): May 10,22, Jun 20

CARDIGAN

B-871: May 6,17, Jun 24,29

D-836: May 6,8

CARRYBRIDGE

B-883: May 13,14, Jun 3(x2),10,11,14,26

CASTLETOWNBERE

ON1277 (17-44): Jun 2

CHISWICK

E-08: Apr 13(x2),15, 22(x2),25,27(x3),28(x2), May 8, Jun 11(x2),12, 14(x4),15,19,20(x2), 23(x3),24,25(x3),27(x3), 28,29

E-09: Apr 3(x2),8(x2), 9(x2),10,29(x2), May 4(x2),5,9,10(x3), 13,15,16,20,22(x2),23,24, 25,28(x2),30, Jun 1,3,7

CLACTON-ON-SEA

B-863: May 7,10,28,29, Jun 6

D-849: Apr 7(x2), May 7, 8,20, Jun 6,11,13,14, 16,20

CLEETHORPES

D-757: Apr 2,16,20,28, May 1,7(x2),20, Jun 13, 15,16,17,21,22,24(x2),2 5,28,29

CLIFDEN

B-869: May 26,28, Jun 26 ON1350 (13-43): May 28, Jun 26

CLOGHERHEAD

ON1338 (13-31): Apr 13, May 13,22

CLOVELLY

B-872: Apr 1

CONWY

D-765: Apr 15,25, May 21(x2),27,28(x2), 29,30, Jun 1,14,19

COURTMACSHERRY

HARBOUR

ON1352 (13-45): May 19

COURTOWN

D-846: Apr 6,26, Jun 11

COWES

B-859: Apr 10,20, May 29,30, Jun 3,18(x2),22

CRASTER

D-839: Jun 4

CRICCIETH

A-76: May 14,30, Jun 13

B-823: Apr 20, May 14,30, Jun 1,11,20,28(x2),29

CROMER

ON1287 (16-07): Jun 1,23

CROSSHAVEN

B-892: Apr 30, May 8,14, 23, Jun 3,8(x2),24,25

CULLERCOATS

B-935: Apr 16, May 10(x2),20,22,24, Jun 11,16,25

DART

B-927: May 8

B-931: Apr 8, May 2, 31(x2), Jun 3,4,9,11, 15,22(x2),25

D-838: Jun 9

DONAGHADEE

ON1225 (14-21): Apr 15, 24,28, Jun 1,17

DOUGLAS ON1181 (12-22): Apr 16, Jun 1

DOVER

ON1220 (17-09): Apr 4, 5(x2),6,19(x2),22,24,27, 28,30, May 6,8,13,17, Jun 4(x2),11(x3),15(x2), 16(x2),17,19,20,22,24, 30(x2)

ON1335 (13-28): Apr 13

DUN LAOGHAIRE

D-865: Apr 5,16,30, May 4,7(x2),8,12,14,18, Jun 19,21

ON1215 (14-17): May 4, 7,12,18, Jun 7,26,29

DUNBAR

D-844: May 31, Jun 25

ON1266 (14-35): Apr 29, May 31

DUNGENESS

ON1309 (13-02): Jun 18,22

ON1311 (13-04): Apr 4,7,12,27, May 6,25, Jun 10(x2),11,12

DUNMORE EAST

ON1348 (13-41): Apr 9, 20, May 4, Jun 13,19

EASTBOURNE

D-744: Apr 2,7(x3),9(x3), 10, May 27, Jun 10,12(x2), 13,18,19,23,24,25,26,27

D-876: Apr 14,16(x2),20, 23,24(x2),29(x3), May 6, 11,14,15(x2),18,19,20,29, Jun 6

ON1286 (16-06): Apr 6

ON1303 (16-23): Jun 2, 9,10,18,24(x3)

ENNISKILLEN

B-912: Apr 1,6(x2),25,30, May 6, Jun 2(x2),17,18,23

EXMOUTH

BB-697: Apr 19

D-792: May 19,21,27(x4), 28, Jun 1,7,11

D-805: Apr 6(x2),8(x2),19, May 13, Jun 5,24

ON1310 (13-03): Apr 19, May 19(x2),29, Jun 5,20

EYEMOUTH

D-877: May 7,11,30, Jun 17

ON1336 (13-29): Apr 1, May 7,25,30, Jun 17

FALMOUTH

B-916: Apr 11,14,28,29, 30, May 1(x2),3(x2),7,9, 12,21,22,24(x2),29(x2), Jun 2,7,10,11,13,17(x2), 24(x3),28

ON1256 (17-29): Apr 12, May 3,6,25(x2),30, Jun 2, 3,11(x2),13

FENIT

D-860: Apr 19, Jun 17

ON1239 (14-27): Jun 17

FETHARD

D-819: Apr 7, May 20, Jun 19

FILEY

B-928: May 23,30, Jun 12

D-859: Apr 8, May 3,7,18, 21,23,30, Jun 12,27

FISHGUARD

D-789: Apr 2,3, May 29,31

ON1198 (14-03): Apr 10, May 31

FLAMBOROUGH

B-820: May 14,21, Jun 11(x2),16,22,25

FLEETWOOD

D-853: Apr 5,28, May 13, 17,20,21,28, Jun 4(x2),11, 17,21,24,25

ON1321 (13-14): Apr 5, Jun 17,27

FLINT

D-795: May 29, Jun 2

D-857: Jun 7

FOWEY

D-817: Apr 3,10,30, May 28, Jun 6,17,26,27

ON1222 (14-18): Apr 10, 30, May 21,22, Jun 1,11, 12,16,23,25

FRASERBURGH

ON1259 (14-34): Apr 30, May 11,28, Jun 5,17,25

GALWAY

B-853: Apr 1,4(x2), May 2,30, Jun 3,10(x2)

GIRVAN

ON1330 (13-23): Apr 20, May 23, Jun 8

ON1333 (13-26): Apr 2

GRAVESEND

B-827: Apr 4,5,10,11, 22(x2),25,27,30, May 6,8, 9,10,11,12,19,20,22,23, 25(x2),26(x2), Jun 4,5,16, 17(x2),20,21,22,23,24,25, 26,27,29

GREAT YARMOUTH AND GORLESTON

B-925: Apr 13,15,16, May 6,18,23,24, Jun 7,15, 19,23,29

ON1204 (14-06): May 21

ON1208 (14-10): Jun 16

HAPPISBURGH

D-813: Jun 20

HARTLEPOOL

B-881: Apr 1, May 7,13, 17,24, Jun 3,5

ON1274 (14-37): Apr 1

HARWICH

B-907: Apr 1,4,7,16, 22(x2), May 6,7,16,29, Jun 7,10(x3),11,13,16(x2), 17,25,26

ON1278 (17-45): Apr 1, 4(x2),23, May 16,20,27,29, Jun 7,11,16,26,29

HASTINGS

D-835: Apr 17,27, May 3,21, Jun 4,13,23

ON1335 (13-28): Apr 6,7, 12, Jun 20,23

HAYLING ISLAND

B-829: Apr 3,4,28, May 2, 3,12(x2),29,30,31, Jun 3, 4,9(x2),10,16,17,22,25,26

D-779: Apr 21, May 7,29, 30, Jun 4,9(x3),14,17,22

HELENSBURGH

B-903: Apr 28, May 4,9, 13,23,27,29(x2), Jun 1, 5(x2),16,17,18(x2),26, 29,30

B-906: Apr 27

HELVICK HEAD

B-874: Jun 7

HOLYHEAD

D-791: May 7,10,13,21,29, 31, Jun 1,5,16(x2),18,30

ON1272 (17-41): Apr 18, 26, May 7,13,21,29, Jun 16,18(x2),19,24,27

HORTON AND PORT EYNON

D-824: Apr 8, May 3, 13(x2),16,21,23,28,29, Jun 2,3

HOWTH

D-796: May 16,26,28,30, 31, Jun 5

ON1258 (14-33): Apr 15, 24, May 6,21

HOYLAKE

H-005: Apr 7(x2),18, May 1,24,29,31, Jun 2,16, 18,26

ON1313 (13-06): Apr 9,12, Jun 23

HUMBER

ON1216 (17-05): Apr 17,28, May 5,7,14,20, Jun 2,3,12

ON1260 (17-31): Jun 24, 26,28

HUNSTANTON

B-848: May 21,26, Jun 10(x2),11(x2),22,25,30

H-001: Jun 10

H-003: Apr 5

ILFRACOMBE

D-863: Apr 14,20,22, May 8,24(x3), Jun 1

ON1316 (13-09): Apr 10, May 22,25, Jun 19

INVERGORDON

ON1344 (13-37): Apr 8,22, Jun 4,8,15,17

KNOW YOUR CRAFT

Use this key to identify the lifeboat/craft in action

SHANNON CLASS

TAMAR CLASS

ON####(13-##)

introduced 2014 new cost: £2,263,000 /€2,695,000

SEVERN CLASS

ON####(16-##)

last built:2013

TRENT CLASS

ON####(17-##)

last built: 2004

MERSEY CLASS

ON####(14-##)

last built: 2004

INSHORE RESCUE HOVERCRAFT

ON####(12-##)

last built: 1993

E CLASS

E-### new cost: £560,000/€666,800

B CLASS

B-###

new cost: £285,000/€339,400

RESCUE WATERCRAFT

RWC-###

new cost: £10,000/€11,900

H-###

new cost: £500,000/€595,400

D CLASS

D-###

new cost: £86,000 / €102,400

INSHORE RESCUE BOAT

A-### new cost: £13,000/€15,500

ADDITIONAL RESCUE CRAFT:

BB-### Boarding boat

Y-### Y boat

X-### X boat

XP-### XP boat

KESSOCK

B-873: May 4,9(x2), 20,29, Jun 3(x2),4,17, 18(x2),21

KILKEEL

B-812: May 22, Jun 7

KILMORE QUAY

ON1298 (16-18): May 1, 13,15,18,20,21,27, Jun 7, 9,11,15,18,20,24(x2),29

KILRUSH

B-844: Apr 22, Jun 21

KINGHORN

B-836: Apr 2,15,17,22, May 11,24,25,27, Jun 1, 10,17,18,20,24,25,27

KINSALE

B-909: Apr 15, May 5,8,

9,24, Jun 12,27,29,30

KIPPFORD

D-854: Jun 10

KIRKCUDBRIGHT

B-814: Apr 7, May 24,27

KIRKWALL

ON1231 (17-13): May 21,

22,25, Jun 9,14,22

KYLE OF LOCHALSH

B-856: May 6,22, Jun 7(x2)

LARGS

B-854: Apr 3,11,13,

18,30, May 3,21,29, Jun 10(x2),13,14(x2), 15(x2),16,20,28

LARNE

D-783: Apr 4,5,8

ON1246 (14-30): Apr 8, May 27,28

LERWICK ON1221 (17-10): Apr 30, May 10,19,20, Jun 12,15, 25,26,27,28

LEVERBURGH

B-870: May 30, Jun 2,20

LITTLE AND BROAD HAVEN

D-766: Apr 3,20, May 1, Jun 6,24

LITTLEHAMPTON

B-891: Apr 3,8,22, May 9,20,28(x3),29,30, Jun 4,10,19,20

D-769: Apr 22, May 29, Jun 14,21,22,25

LITTLESTONE-ON-SEA

B-922: May 1, Jun 11, 19(x2)

LLANDUDNO

D-793: May 1,11,13(x2), 28,30, Jun 2,10,23

ON1325 (13-18): May 30, Jun 1

LOCH NESS

B-902: Jun 6,14,15,20

B-918: Apr 21, May 6

LOCHINVER

ON1271 (17-40): Jun 11

LONGHOPE

ON1280 (16-01): Apr 29, May 16,17

ON1284 (16-05): Apr 8

LOOE

B-894: May 17,19, Jun 13,25

D-872: Apr 20, May 2(x2), 17, Jun 13,25,26

LOUGH DERG

B-911: Apr 10(x2),28,30, May 14,21, Jun 3,7,11, 20,27

LOUGH REE

B-835: May 22

B-920: Apr 5,20,26,30, May 11,12,16,27,28,31, Jun 2,4,7,8,13,17

LOUGH SWILLY

B-819: Apr 30

ON1315 (13-08): Jun 24,26

LOWESTOFT

ON1312 (13-05): Apr 17, 29, May 26, Jun 16,17,28

LYME REGIS

B-857: Apr 6,7,10,12, 23,24, May 11,13,14,22,

27,28, Jun 9,10,12,18, 24,25,30

LYMINGTON

B-882: Apr 8,9,16(x2), May 29(x2), Jun 3(x2), 6,17,28

LYTHAM ST ANNES

D-800: Apr 29

D-857: May 12

MABLETHORPE

B-887: Jun 8

D-790: Jun 21,28

MALLAIG

ON1237 (17-17): Apr 27

ON1250 (17-26): Apr 21, May 6,16,20, Jun 1,3(x2),5,13,24

MARGATE

B-930: May 21, Jun 3,9, 21,24,25

D-841: Apr 15, May 20, 28, Jun 3,9,15,23,24, 25(x4)

MINEHEAD

B-824: Apr 20, May 13, Jun 5,17,25

D-792: Apr 20

D-847: Apr 4, Jun 5,6,29

MOELFRE

D-825: Apr 18, May 13,20, Jun 10,15,24(x3),26

ON1305 (16-25): Apr 16, May 3,7,21(x2),28, Jun 16

MONTROSE

D-764: May 1,22, Jun 15,25

ON1317 (13-10): May 1,31

MORECAMBE

D-855: Apr 7,20,21,22, 26,29, May 11,13,28(x2), 31, Jun 9,22,28

H-002: Apr 1,7,22(x2),26, May 7,20

H-007: May 29, Jun 9,14

MUDEFORD

B-806: Apr 7,13(x2), 15(x3),19,25,29, May 1,5, 7,14(x2),21(x2),29,31, Jun 1(x3),5,6,8,15, 23(x2),24,25(x2)

NEW BRIGHTON

B-837: Apr 3,4,12,18, 24,30, May 1,5,14,18,21, 25,30, Jun 2,5,6,13,14, 16,24,29

NEW QUAY (CEREDIGION)

D-754: Apr 17, Jun 13

NEWBIGGIN

B-864: Apr 27

NEWCASTLE

D-775: May 5

ON1168 (12-010): May 5, Jun 2

NEWHAVEN

ON1243 (17-21): Apr 2(x2),4,7,8(x2),9,12, 13,30, May 8,16,17,25, 27,28,29, Jun 5,8(x2),14, 25,28

NEWQUAY (CORNWALL)

B-936: Apr 4,14,19,22, May 6,21

D-773: Apr 19,22(x2), May 27, Jun 8(x2),19,24

D-792: Apr 14

NORTH BERWICK

PETERHEAD

ON1282 (16-03): Apr 17, May 8,10,12,25, Jun 25

PLYMOUTH

B-921: Apr 18,26, May 4,7, Jun 22,25,26

ON1264 (17-35): May 5,

7,31, Jun 26

POOLE

B-826: Apr 6(x2),7(x3),16, 19, May 4(x2),7(x3),9(x2),

13,21,28,29(x3),31, Jun 5,

6,7,9(x2),15,21,25(x7)

D-804: Apr 6,7,12,19,29, May 2,4,7(x2),16,20,28,29, Jun 15,24,25(x3),27

PORT ISAAC

D-843: May 1,6,14, Jun 1,3,5,11,26

PORT ST MARY

D-873: May 27, Jun 15

ON1234 (14-26): May 27, Jun 2,14(x2),15,16

PORT TALBOT

D-848: Apr 23, May 17,25, 29(x3), Jun 2,6,11,13,19

PORTAFERRY

B-833: May 8, Jun 4,17

PORTHCAWL

B-832: May 2,7,8,12,14, 20(x2),21,26,29(x2),31, Jun 8

D-861: Apr 9,16, May 7(x2),12,14,21

PORTHDINLLAEN

ON1304 (16-24): May 3, 28,29, Jun 1,6,14,15, 18(x2)

PORTISHEAD

B-884: Apr 1,29(x2), May 2,13, Jun 8,16,20,21

PORTPATRICK

ON1301 (16-21): Apr 3, May 15,27, Jun 16,24

Y-243: Apr 2(x2)

PORTREE

BB-683: May 14

ON1214 (14-16): May 8, Jun 8,15,17

QUEENSFERRY

B-851: Apr 7,10,13,15,17, May 1(x2),2,9,10(x2),11, 21,25(x3),26,27, Jun 2,4, 14,17(x2),19,26,28,29

RAMSEY

ON1349 (13-42): Apr 3

RAMSGATE

B-878: Apr 11,21,26

ON1197 (14-02): May 21

ON1213 (14-15): Apr 13

RED BAY

B-840: May 29

B-843: Apr 20

REDCAR

B-858: Jun 23,26

B-929: Apr 9,16,22, May 20,25,28, Jun 4

D-809: May 8,10, Jun 4, 13,23,26

RHYL

D-770: Apr 4(x2), May 20(x2),21(x2),28, Jun 3,4(x3),10,13(x3),20

D-857: Apr 15,20, 29(x2),30

ON1341 (13-34): Apr 19, 20,29, May 13,20,21(x2), Jun 3,4,13(x2),18

ROSSLARE HARBOUR

ON1276 (17-43): Apr 6, May 2,9,17, Jun 7

RYE HARBOUR

B-900: May 7, Jun 10,14, 20,25(x2),26

SALCOMBE

B-905: May 28, Jun 14

ON1289 (16-09): Apr 8, 10,18, May 1, Jun 1,3,16

SCARBOROUGH

D-856: Apr 27, Jun 9

ON1322 (13-15): May 11, Jun 9

SEAHOUSES

D-828: May 15, Jun 1,2,4, 6,19,22

ON1343 (13-36): May 1, Jun 5

SELSEY

PEEL

ON1342 (13-35): May 5, Jun 1,3,8

PENARTH

B-839: Apr 15(x2),23, May 5,6,17,20,22,24, Jun 25

D-822: Apr 8,21, May 24, Jun 4,25

PENLEE B-893: Apr 3, May 14,16, 21,28(x2), Jun 2,4,7,9, 12,30

ON1265 (17-36): May 16,22, Jun 22

PORTRUSH

D-871: May

3,22,23,28,30, Jun 7,16

ON1257 (17-30): May 5, 30, Jun 9,10,11,20

PORTSMOUTH

B-846: Apr 22,29, May 12,17,20(x2),30, Jun 9(x2),14,26

D-850: Apr 22, May 17,22, Jun 9

PWLLHELI

D-811: Apr 2,22, May 6, Jun 4,28

ON1346 (13-39): May 1,13, Jun 1,6,21

D-827: May 5, Jun 4, 14(x2)

ON1327 (13-20): Apr 4, Jun 11,28,29

SENNEN COVE

D-763: Apr 23, Jun 19

ON1294 (16-14): Apr 23, 29, May 5,29, Jun 19

SHEERNESS

D-826: Apr 11(x2), May 3, 8,9,13,21, Jun 15(x2),17

ON1345 (13-38): May 8, Jun 3(x2),12,13,18,19

SHOREHAM HARBOUR

D-784: Apr 1,6,16,22, 23,29, May 13,20,29, Jun 3,4,6,9,18,24,25

ON1295 (16-15): Apr 6, 8,11,12,13, May 13,14, Jun 13,15,18,26

SILLOTH

B-918: Jun 8,10

SKEGNESS

D-842: Apr 11,21,28

D-875: Jun 4,10

ON1324 (13-17): May 26, Jun 19

SKERRIES

B-866: Apr 10,16, May 7, 16,21,26, Jun 18

SLIGO BAY

B-888: May 31, Jun 21, 22,24

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA

B-885: Apr 28, May 3, 18,20, Jun 1,3,4,18

D-771: Apr 29

D-818: Apr 1,19, May 3,

8(x2),21,26, Jun 1,9,10, 23(x2)

H-004: Apr 16(x2),18, May 5,29, Jun 11,14

SOUTHWOLD

B-868: Apr 20, May 3, Jun 19,25

ST AGNES

D-787: Apr 19,20, Jun 27

ST BEES

B-831: May 18, Jun 1

ST CATHERINE

B-816: Apr 21, Jun 25,29

ST DAVIDS

D-840: May 14

ON1306 (16-26): May 4, 7,14,27, Jun 7

ST HELIER

B-934: Apr 19, May 3,27, Jun 17

ON1292 (16-12): Apr 26, May 29, Jun 17

ST IVES

D-803: Apr 7, May 4,16, 22,29, Jun 1,13,21

ON1318 (13-11): Apr 7, 19, May 2,16,22, Jun 3, 13,21

ST MARY'S

ON1254 (17-27): Apr 20, May 1,14, Jun 15,23,27

ST PETER PORT

B-889: May 6,18, Jun 4, 5,11,15

ON1203 (17-04): Apr 7, 9,12, May 14,19, Jun 2, 10,12,17(x2),19(x2),20, 21,23,25,28

STAITHES AND RUNSWICK

B-897: May 14, Jun 15

STONEHAVEN

B-919: Apr 8, May 13,14, 15, Jun 8

STORNOWAY

ON1238 (17-18): Apr 28, May 9,14,25, Jun 10

STRANRAER

D-833: Apr 3, May 15,

Jun 29

STROMNESS ON1236 (17-16):

Apr 29, May 12,17,21,31,

Jun 12,24

SUNDERLAND

B-817: Apr 25, May 27,

Jun 22

D-816: Apr 25,30,

May 10,29, Jun 25,27,29

SWANAGE

D-752: May 1,7,22,31, Jun 4,15,21,22,25

ON1319 (13-12): Jun 22,25

ON1320 (13-13): Apr 14,

20,21,23, May 1,21,22, 30,31, Jun 4,6,15

TEDDINGTON

D-743: Apr 15,27, May 4, 14,24,30(x2), Jun 1,4

D-785: Apr 7,14(x2), May 4,8,10,14,24,30(x2), Jun 1,4,5,16(x2),17,22,26

TEIGNMOUTH

B-809: Apr 9,10,20, May 6,10,26(x2),27,

29(x2), Jun 4,6

TENBY

D-858: Apr 18, May 16, 28(x2),30, Jun 2,10,13,17, 19,25

ON1281 (16-02): Apr 7, 8,10,24(x2),29, May 14, Jun 1,3,9,17,26(x2)

THE LIZARD

ON1300 (16-20): May 7(x2), Jun 4,21,23

THE MUMBLES

D-761: Apr 3(x2),6,7,8,9, 18,22,23,29, May 1,7, 20(x2),24,29,31, Jun 1, 4(x2),21,29

ON1307 (16-27): Apr 3, May 1,29(x2),31, Jun 4

THURSO

ON1273 (17-42): May 16, Jun 4,11,24,27

TIGHNABRUAICH

B-862: Jun 6,8,21

B-875: Apr 20,21,30, May 2,26

TOBERMORY

ON1270 (17-39): May 12, 24,25,26, Jun 9,15

TORBAY

D-788: Apr 2,18, May 1, 2,6,8,14(x2),15,19,21, 24,27,31, Jun 3,6(x2),7, 10(x2),13,19(x2),20,23

ON1255 (17-28): Apr 22, May 6,10,15,19, Jun 5,6, 19,25

TOWER

E-07: Apr 12(x5),16, 17(x2),19,20, Jun 1,2(x2), 3(x3),4,6,7(x5),8(x4),9

E-09: Jun 9,10(x4),11, 12(x2),13,14(x2),15

E-10: Apr 1,2,3,4(x2), 5(x2),8(x2),10,22(x2), 23(x2),24(x3),27,28, 29(x3),30(x2), May 1(x3), 2,3,4(x2),5(x2),6(x3),7(x4), 8(x4),10,11(x3),12,15(x2), 16(x3),18(x2),19,20,22, 23,24,27,28,30(x2),31(x3), Jun 9,15(x3),16(x2), 17(x3),18,19(x2),20(x2), 21,23(x2),24(x5),25(x5), 27(x2),28(x3),29(x2),30(x2)

TRAMORE

D-781: May 14,26, Jun 2,9

TREARDDUR BAY

B-847: Apr 2(x2),9,16,22, 23, May 12,27,29(x2), Jun 1(x2),2,15,18

D-753: Apr 9(x2),16, May 29, Jun 2,15

TROON

D-821: Apr 17,30, May 2, 3,5,6,9,20, Jun 1(x2),4,6, 7(x2),8,10,14,18,21,25

ON1275 (14-38): Apr 11, 17,18,30, May 2,3,6,11,22, Jun 1(x2),6,7(x2),8,10,11, 18,25

TYNEMOUTH

D-829: Apr 7, May 21(x2), Jun 5,21,25

ON1263 (17-34): Jun 21

UNION HALL

B-924: May 20,23,24, Jun 25

VALENTIA

BB-742: Apr 6

ON1279 (17-46): Jun 4, 8,13

WALMER

B-808: Apr 9,11,25, May 20, Jun 7

D-794: Apr 9, May 20,21, 22(x2),28, Jun 7

WALTON AND FRINTON

ON1299 (16-19): May 19

WELLS

D-797: Apr 1,8, May 8,20, Jun 10,17

WEST KIRBY

D-751: Apr 7(x2),8(x2), 14,20, May 15, Jun 10(x2),30

WEST MERSEA

B-879: Apr 10,22,29, May 3,7,13,21,24, Jun 4,9,11(x2),12,23,25

WESTON-SUPER-MARE

B-830: Apr 24, May 29, Jun 3,24(x2),25(x2)

D-832: Apr 16,24, May 11,19,20,21,29,30, Jun 3,24(x2),25

WEXFORD

D-782: Apr 22,29, May 9

WEYMOUTH

B-917: Apr 3,6,11,18, May 2,6,12,19,24,29,

30,31, Jun 1(x2),4,7,

17,21,22

ON1261 (17-32): Apr 6,9, 11, May 19,22,24,29(x2), 30, Jun 4,7,10(x2),16,

18,21

WHITBY

D-810: May 9,11, Jun 3,6

ON1212 (14-14): Apr 16

WHITSTABLE

B-877: Apr 26,29(x2), May 9,13, Jun 2,3,12, 18(x2),25,29

WICK

ON1224 (14-20): May 16,17, Jun 15,29

WICKLOW

D-806: May 23, Jun 25

ON1334 (13-27): Apr 13, 29, Jun 8

ON1339 (13-32): Jun 7, 25,27

WITHERNSEA

D-837: Apr 10, Jun 25

WORKINGTON

D-767: Jun 7,10,18,25

ON1332 (13-25): May 24, Jun 3,18

YARMOUTH (IOW)

ON1249 (17-25): Apr 5, 19,23, May 14,22,29(x2), Jun 9,25,28

YOUGHAL

B-890: Apr 9,28,30, May 1(x2), Jun 19

ON STATION

ON1352 (13-45), Val Adnams, Courtmacsherry, 3 April 2023

NAMING CEREMONIES

D-864, Blackpool Endeavour, Blackpool, 1 April 2023

D-862, Phyllis Rowan, Blackpool, 1 April 2023

D-853, Harbet, Fleetwood, 2 April 2023

D-871, The Ken Blair, Portrush, 15 April 2023

ON1350 (13-43), St Christopher, Clifden, 22 April 2023

B-934, The Spirit of St Helier, St Helier, 13 May 2023

B-931, Frank C Samworth, Dart, 20 May 2023

B-936, Uncle Johnny, Newquay, 21 May 2023

ON1353 (13-46), Duke of Edinburgh, Wells, 3 June 2023

D-868, Mr Eric Sharpe, Cromer, 4 June 2023

B-933, Skipasund, Macduff, 10 June 2023

D-872, Ollie Naismith II, Looe, 18 June 2023

Friends of the RNLI

Exciting partnership with Omaze gives the public a chance to win a luxury house

Have you ever dreamed of owning a fabulous house by the coast? In the summer, the RNLI partnered with Omaze to offer people a chance to win a luxury £4,500,000 property in Norfolk, with the Million Pound House Draw.

We’re thrilled that 80% of the net proceeds raised from the Omaze Million Pound House Draw is being donated to the RNLI. The draw has now closed, so for the final amount raised, head to RNLI.org/omaze and RNLI social media. The lucky winner receives this stunning house close to our lifeboat stations at Sheringham, Cromer, Hunstanton and Wells. The dream property comes with a heated swimming pool, a home gym, a steam room and separate home office with kitchen.

Thank you to Omaze and to everybody who entered the draw, for helping to power the RNLI's lifesaving service.

Puzzle time

Quick wordsearch

What would you name your lifeboat? Here are some eye-catching D class names from the past 60 years. (See page 24 for more on the D class.)

Can you work out what class of lifeboat this is?

Answer on page 40.

The stunning prize in the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, helping the RNLI save lives at sea

Photo: Omaze

Photo: RNLI/Nathan Williams

A SHOUT OUT TO THE LIFEBOAT FUND

The RNLI’s longest-standing and single biggest donor

The Communications and Public Service Lifeboat Fund (The Lifeboat Fund for short) is a charity that exists for one purpose: to help the RNLI save lives at sea.

It was set up in 1866 by a group of civil servants to raise money for a lifeboat. Today, almost 158 years and 53 more lifeboats later, The Lifeboat Fund, and all the people behind it, remain a steadfast part of our crew.

As we approach the RNLI’s 200th anniversary in 2024, we’d like to thank all the serving and retired civil servants, and British Telecom (BT) and Royal Mail employees – past and present – who have helped to raise money for the RNLI through fundraising events, collections, payroll giving and gifts in Wills. Here’s to the future – and the next 200 years …

The first lifeboat funded by The Lifeboat Fund: A pulling and sailing lifeboat named Civil Service, which was stationed at Wexford from 1866 to 1878 £26M+

The latest lifeboat funded by The Lifeboat Fund: A brand new all-weather Shannon class lifeboat named Duke of Edinburgh (Civil Service No. 53), which began saving lives at Wells-next-the-Sea earlier this year

Photos: Leanne McColm, Chris Taylor. Painting: Thomas Rose Miles; oil on canvas, 1871

Special delivery

Your letters, posts and pictures

Brilliant builders!

Storm Force members Joshua, Oliver and Thomas were inspired by Lifeboat magazine to build this fantastic slipway station and they’re regular visitors to Cromer lifeboat crew. It’s nice to see the magazine being recycled!

Journey of a lifetime

In 2022 we undertook a 3,300 mile journey around the UK in our classic car. To tell our story, we produced a 94-page illustrated booklet, Journey of a Lifetime. It’s £10 from jmredshaw@outlook.com and every penny will be donated the RNLI and Cancer Research UK.

JOHN AND KATE REDSHAW

were really scared’

I have just received the spring edition of Lifeboat and have relived my own experience of sandbanks and rushing tides. I was born and brought up in Cleethorpes and my second home was the beach. A friend and I were in the same situation as Lucia and Ellie-Mae but this was 68 years ago! We were paddling in six inches of water but when we turned round we were on an island with deep water between us and the beach. We were really scared, but managed to get ourselves to safety. The girls were lucky that help was on hand for them. It is wonderful that there soon will be a new lifeboat station at Cleethorpes.

ANNE SCOTT

of sandbanks and rushing tides’

The Cleethorpes crew were there for Eliie-Mae and Lucia, thanks to you and your support

‘We

The Cleethorpes rescue story in Lifeboat brought back memories

‘I relived my own experience

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.

Thank you for saving me

I am an asylum seeker and I was saved by your kind team in the English Channel. I was on the water for 6½ hours, my mobile had no signal and I was not given a lifejacket. Additionally, I cannot swim. The boat I was travelling on was sinking.

Brave crew –past and present

I have always loved the sea and lifeboats from a young age, spending many a holiday at Winterton-on-Sea on the Norfolk coast.

I found out that my great-great uncle, William Hodds, was the coxswain of the Winterton lifeboats from 1876 to 1898, in particular, the lifeboat Edward Birkbeck, which I am standing beside in the photo. The Edward Birkbeck lifeboat is currently being restored by the Winterton-on-Sea Lifeboat Restoration Group – but it all takes time and the funds to do it!

How these crews were able to go to sea in these basic 12-oared boats, with what today seems primitive protective clothing and equipment, and save lives seems unbelievable! Just picture the efforts that those brave men took! And are continuing to take today! So I am of course very happy to be able to support them with a legacy. Thank you for all that you all do.

The spring 2023 edition of the magazine was thoroughly amazing in its content and readability. Well done!

I was so desperate that I put my head on my lap, praying. Then, all of a sudden, your boat came and saved me. I remember I was so delighted when I got on your boat that I started crying and I promised at that very moment that I will serve this sympathetic nation to the last drop of my blood. Consequently, I would like to appreciate your efforts.

HAZHIR HELI MAHMOUDI

Editor: Thank you for writing to us, Hazhir. Did you hear that our crews saved 108 lives in the English Channel in 2022? You may have seen the news in the summer about our lifesaving statistics and about innovations like these sea stairs (pictured below), developed to help in mass casualty rescues.

Andrew standing proudly beside the lifeboat Edward Birkbeck, which is being restored

RNLI sea stairs – innovating to save more lives at sea

‘I was saved by your kind team in the English Channel’

Lifesaving prints

Some readers wrote to Lifeboat magazine asking for prints of the Tamar launch photo from a recent issue. You can browse and buy lifesaving images from the past and present, like these, at RNLI-photostore.co.uk .

Puzzle solutions (page 36): IT’S AN E CLASS LIFEBOAT, NAMED HURLEY BURLY (E-07), AT TOWER.

£10,000

For a full list of winners of the summer Lottery, visit RNLI.org/LotteryWinners

Photo: RNLI/Nathan

Photos: W H Franklin, Alex Jones, Andrew Rouse, RNLI/(Paul Collins, Nigel Millard, Nathan Williams), Nicola Powter

WRITE YOUR WILL, YOUR WAY … FOR FREE

Photo: RNLI/Nigel Millard

Your RNLI family

The lives and loves of your fellow lifesavers

Love and lifeboats

In May, two volunteers from Kilmore Quay hung up their crew kit for the day – because they were getting married! Between them, Michelle Hinchy and Trevor Devereux have dedicated over 50 years of service to the lifeboat station and to their community – an amazing feat.

After the ceremony, where the pair were surrounded by their loved ones, they stopped off at the station to take a few photographs aboard the Tamar class lifeboat Killarney

Michelle says: ‘We had a wonderful day. The RNLI is a huge part of our lives – it was odd not to be carrying a pager today but fantastic to celebrate with all our family, friends and especially our RNLI family.’

We’re wishing Michelle and Trevor a lifetime of happiness. We can’t think of anybody better qualified to tie the knot!

Welcome to the crew

In Dunbar, Fiona Kibby has made history by becoming the station’s first female launch authority. She joins five other launch authorities at Dunbar RNLI, whose roles involve assessing whether it’s safe for the lifeboats to launch.

Fiona, who is a keen sailor and the town’s harbourmaster, says: ‘I am very proud to be joining such an amazing team at Dunbar. They have many years of experience and although it’s daunting at first, I have no doubt that I will be supported to become an integral part of the launch authority team.’

Fiona also shared that her grandchildren, Ruby and Aaron, are happy that she’s volunteering with the RNLI: ‘They are very excited I’m getting involved with the lifeboat. Ruby, as a sea cadet, especially loves anything to do with the lifeboats so she’s thrilled! That’s another reason it’s the right thing to do.’

Welcome to the crew, Fiona!

Just married! Trevor and Michelle celebrate aboard Kilmore Quay’s Tamar class lifeboat

Fiona Kibby makes history

Congratulations, Ross!

Appledore RNLI are celebrating the achievements of Ross Coburn, who recently passed out as a fully-fledged helm for the station’s inshore Atlantic 85 lifeboat. The helm is responsible for the lifeboat – and the people in it – during training exercises and shouts.

Ross undertook intense, comprehensive training at the station in Appledore and RNLI College in Poole, Dorset. He says: ‘My thanks to everyone at the station who helped to make this possible and donated so much time, and to the senior crew for sharing their experience and knowledge with me. My thanks must also go to my family for their patience, tolerance and understanding while I have been away training.’

Martin Cox, Appledore RNLI Coxswain, adds: ‘This is a fantastic achievement for Ross; he has worked extremely hard and it is well deserved.’

Remembering John Harrop MBE

John Harrop MBE , who was the driving force behind the RNLI Ruthin Branch, sadly passed away in January.

John was an ardent naturalist. During his birdwatching visits to remote and rugged parts of our coastlines, he developed a great respect for the sea and the lifeboat crews who braved it.

He was founder and chairman of the Ruthin Branch for 45 years from 1968 to 2013. Former Regional Manager Richard Polden once said of John: ‘You can’t fail to be impressed by John’s commitment, enthusiasm, and sense of duty. He embraces new ideas and is a great ambassador for the RNLI.’ In 2000, John was awarded an MBE for services to the RNLI.

Celebrating life

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

Captain David Baily – April 2023

Former Lifeboat Operations Manager at Barmouth RNLI

Mick Bensley – March 2023

Artist, author and friend of the RNLI, Sheringham

Captain Roy Bullen – April 2023

President of RNLI Jersey

Barry Cox BEM – May 2023

Former Heritage Library and Archive Volunteer

Asbjørn Damhus – April 2023

Former Crew Member and Launch Authority at Atlantic College

John Davies – June 2023

Former Barry Dock Station Treasurer

Mick Gimber – May 2023

Former Second Mechanic at Dover RNLI

Kevin Jones – May 2023

Former Chairman, Educator and Fundraiser at the Alton Branch

Mary Holder – June 2023

Former Chair at the Poppleton Luncheon Club Branch

Ashleigh Holtby – April 2023

Fundraiser and former Crew Member at Weston-super-Mare RNLI

Alexander ‘Sandy’ Lindsay – April 2023 Committee Member of the Basingstoke and District Branch

Ann Nicholson – April 2023

Former Regional Support Team Leader

Padraic O Tuarisc – March 2023

Former Lifeboat Operations Manager at Aran Islands RNLI

Ian Owen – February 2023

Full-time Crew Member at Chiswick RNLI

David Park – April 2023

Committee Member at the Downend and Kingswood Branch

Richie Tutton – May 2023

Station Mechanic at Barry Dock RNLI

Robin Upton – June 2023

Former Treasurer at Lytham St Annes RNLI

David Urbani – April 2023

Former Chairman and Committee Member of the Farnham and District Branch

Ron Waterfield – March 2023

Former Crew Member at Plymouth RNLI

Photos: The Harrop family, RNLI/(Alex Hall, Elaine Walsh, Douglas Wight)

Ross Coburn (centre) with fellow Crew Members Richard Withey (left) and Matt Rowe (right)

Fair winds and following seas, John

MAKE YOUR AUTUMN BREAK A LIFESAVER

Stay at RNLI College in Poole, Dorset, this autumn and see first-hand how our lifeboat volunteers and lifeguards are trained to save lives

Every stay includes a free 90-minute Discovery Tour* of the College and its world-class Sea Survival Centre. Every room has a stunning view of Holes Bay in Poole Harbour. Every morning you can indulge in a delicious buffet breakfast. You can experience all this and more knowing that every penny you spend on your stay – including food, drinks and shop souvenirs – will go towards saving lives at sea and our mission to save every one.

To book:

• Visit RNLI.org/college

• Call 0300 300 7654

• Email reception@rnli.org.uk

Photos: Wildsky Design, RNLI/Nathan Williams

‘Hoped it would be good – it was amazing!’

Tripadvisor review

*Our Discovery Tours are very popular and booking is essential.