Awards and celebration as Lymington RNLI marks 60 years since first lifeboat launch
AWARDS were handed out as Lymington RNLI crew members and volunteers past and present celebrated 60 years of saving lives at sea.
A special event was held on Saturday to mark the anniversary of the town’s lifeboat station, which first launched its D class number 41 vessel in May 1965.
Over the following decades, the rescue organisation has operated six lifeboats, including the current Atlantic 85 B class lifeboat RNLB David Bradley. It has overseen 1,540 launches and saved 235 lives.
RNLI CEO Peter Sparkes said: “That is a remarkable number of people who have been reunited with their families thanks to the selflessness, kindness and courage of Lymington lifeboat crew.
“235 people who have gone on to live their lives, have a career, a family and potentially grandchildren; lives saved to be lives lived.”
Notable shouts included two lives being saved from a sinking fishing boat at the harbour entrance on 17th December 1981.
Helm Alan Coster swam to the vessel in a southerly gale and led two casualties over marshes for half a mile to rendezvous with the lifeboat.
His courage saw him awarded the RNLI Bronze Medal for Gallantry.
In September 2002, Nick Hayward pushed the lifeboat to its operational limit saving a crew of three from the yacht Piciess in a force 8/9 gale.
This earned Nick the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum award; and he still serves, having been with the station for over 40 years.
Retired crew members Graham Webb, Mike Webb and Alan Coster have amassed over 90 years’ service between them.
The celebration saw two special awards presented, including The Susan Ewer Community Award, established in memory of the stalwart supporter of over 50 years who died in 2023.
This was presented to volunteer Richard Clarke for running a “truly remarkable” Lymington Lifeboat 10k and Children’s Fun Run event since 2017.
Nearly 15,000 people have entered the run since its launch in 2000, including over 4,000 children, and Richard has raised £300,000 since taking it over.
Those wishing to sign up to the next one on 11th May can visit frsystems.co.uk/lymington-10k
RNLI vice president Sir Nigel Southward presented the Southward Volunteer award to Phil Baker, who joined the crew in February 1991.
Phil qualified as a helm and is now a lifeboat training assessor. Over his 34 years he has launched 415 times and assisted more than 1,000 people, saving 42 lives.
Lymington lifeboat chairman Steve Billet said: “[Phil] has developed his training skills to a legendary standard and likes nothing more than sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. No one deserves this award more than him.”
