Torbay RNLI's Mark Criddle steps aside and welcomes new Coxswain Jason Stride

Mark will remain a valuable member of the team as one of five fully trained coxswains. His expertise, leadership, and bravery in leading challenging sea rescues over his 35 years of RNLI service will continue and go on to inspire the RNLI community.

Sunday 30th April was Mark's last day leading out an exercise in the Bay as the ‘Coxswain’. Old friends, family and crew surprised him on his return to the station. They were joined by the lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Dartmouth, which had come across to escort Torbay's Severn Class lifeboat home and to celebrate Mark’s formal retirement. The trawlers of Brixham also hooted as he helmed Brixham's Severn Class all weather lifeboat back to her moorings. It was a moving event for those watching, and a fitting tribute to Mark's long and dedicated service.

Mark Criddle said: ‘I am looking forward to spending more time developing my skills as one of our voluntary coxswains, more time with my family and of course more time fishing. After years of managing the crew and station, I can focus on what I love best - being out on the water and serving the community as a coxswain.’

Brixham born and bred, Mark’s distinguished career with the RNLI has been marked by numerous awards for his bravery and exceptional service to the community. In addition to the RNLI Silver Medal for Gallantry, awarded for leading the rescue of stranded crew off the ‘Ice Prince’ in 2008, Mark has also received an OBE (Officer of the most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to Maritime Safety, the RNLI Long Service Medal, the Pride of Britain award and the Institution’s Bronze Medal. In addition, Mark has been a mentor, leader, and role model to countless crew members, inspiring them to follow in his footsteps and serve with dedication and passion.

Nick O’Brien, the Torbay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, praised Mark’s outstanding contribution to the RNLI and the people of Torbay. ‘Mark has been an exceptional Coxswain and has served with distinction for over three decades. His experience, knowledge, and leadership skills have been vital to the success of our station and the safety of those who rely on us. We are grateful for his service and whilst he won’t be leaving us, we still wish him a happy retirement.’

Nigel Jones, RNLI Area Manger South Devon, added; ‘Mark’s retirement will leave a huge hole in the Torbay Lifeboat Team in Brixham and in the wider RNLI. His contribution to the RNLI and Torbay Lifeboat Station is pretty immeasurable, selflessly launching over 500 times to assist those in need at sea and living by the mantra that everyone returns safely. Immersed in lifeboat life for over 30 years, Mark’s contribution goes well beyond Command of the lifeboat and leading the crew - he is also somewhat of a local celebrity, in huge demand for guest speaking, offering gripping and amusing tales. Modest and self-deprecating, he has earned and deserves immense respect and admiration by fellow professional mariners and many of the senior RNLI leadership, for his extensive knowledge, experience and pragmatic no-nonsense approach. I will certainly miss working with Mark – I have massive admiration for him and very pleased that he’s decided to continue as a volunteer with Torbay Lifeboat.’

As Mark steps down from his managerial position, the Torbay RNLI is welcoming Jason Stride as the new Head Coxswain. Jason has been with the station for over 9 years and has served as a Deputy Coxswain. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role and is committed to building on the success of the station.

‘I am honoured and excited to be taking on the role of Coxswain at the Torbay RNLI station,” said Jason Stride. “I have learned a great deal from Mark and the crew, and I look forward to serving our community in this role with as much dedication, courage, and professionalism as has been exemplified by Mark.’

Simon James, senior crewman at the Torbay RNLI, who had secretly organised the celebrations for Mark, reflected; ‘I’ve had the pleasure to serve under Mark for his duration as full time Cox at Torbay. I can honestly say in the middle of a gale, there’s no safer pair of hands on the wheel than his.’ On a more light-hearted note, Simon shared an incident from Mark’s first visit to the palace to accept his Silver Medal back in 2008; ‘After meeting the Queen and receiving his medal, Mark went sight-seeing on London Bridge. He was staring down at the great river, studying its tidal markings and strength of its currents when several police cars pulled up around him. A very concerned officer leapt out of the lead car asking, ‘you okay sir?’ Mark didn’t know what to say for a change! Tad ironic really.’

Torbay RNLI station is confident the transition will be smooth, and the volunteer crew will of course continue to provide their essential service to the community at the very highest of standards they are known and respected for. The station is grateful for the past and ongoing contributions of Mark Criddle and looks forward to the new chapter with Jason Stride as the new Head Coxswain.

Notes to editors

Photos - attached you’ll find some images of Mark Criddle's past and from Sunday 30th April, credited to Nigel Millard.

Video - attached video credited to Nigel Millard

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For more information contact Niall Blatcher, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Torbay RNLI, on 07734 114777 or [email protected] or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Media Officer, on 07786 668847 or [email protected]

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