Lifeboat Enthusiasts

The communities of South Shields, North Shields and Tynemouth, at the mouth of the River Tyne on the north east coast of England, hold a unique position in the establishment and development of maritime rescue. In South Shields the first purpose designed lifeboat, Original, was launched in 1790, followed by a second lifeboat for North Shields, the Northumberland, in 1798. … [Read More...] about The Early Development of Maritime Rescue in the United Kingdom: The Story of the Tyne Lifeboat Institution and Volunteer Life Brigades by Steve Landells

Nowadays better known as CEL (Claytons Engineering Ltd.), the company that produces nearly 50% of the launch and recovery equipment for the RNLI, was originally founded in 1973 by Mike Bigland as Bigland (Preparations)Ltd., a … [Read More...] about Bigland (Preparations) Ltd., and the development of RNLI launching tractors

There were mixed emotions on display at Wicklow on Sunday 28th April 2019 when a ceremony of celebration was held to mark the retirement of the last magnificent Tyne Class lifeboat in RNLI service. After some 30 years on station, … [Read More...] about Last Tyne Class in RNLI Service retires after 30 years on station at Wicklow

The latest issue of our Lifeboats Past & Present has just gone to print. If you're a member of the Lifeboat Enthusiasts then your copy should be with you in the next couple of weeks. It's another packed issue, 56 pages in … [Read More...] about Lifeboat Enthusiasts Magazine Issue 6, Spring/Summer 2019 in print now!

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