The models, RNLB Robert Lindsay and RNLB Mona, were kindly donated by Lesley Murphy on behalf of her father, Tom Webster, who had painstakingly recreated both lifeboats in fantastic detail.
The donation of the RNLB Robert Lindsay model is particularly poignant for everyone at Arbroath lifeboat station. The lifeboat was stationed in Arbroath when, on 27th October 1953, it was launched on service in high winds and rough seas. Tragically, disaster struck with the loss of six brave crewmen.
Later this month, on 27th October, to mark the 70th anniversary of the disaster, Arbroath’s current lifeboat crew will be laying wreaths at sea and at the gravesides of those lost, before attending a public memorial church service in the town.
The history of RNLB Mona is also steeped in tragedy. On 8th December 1959, the Broughty Ferry lifeboat capsized with the loss of all eight brave crewmen on board.
Donating the models, Lesley said “I desperately want dad’s models to be appreciated and not stuck in a cupboard! I’m so glad they will be on display for people to enjoy and appreciate his work, especially with the anniversary of the Robert Lindsay disaster coming up.”
Ron Churchill, lifeboat operations manager at Arbroath, expressed his thanks on behalf of the lifeboat crew, saying “We are so grateful to Lesley and her family for donating these model lifeboats. They are a remarkable tribute to the lifeboats and their tragic history. They will be cherished by everyone here at Arbroath lifeboat station and kept on display so they can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Lesley visited Arbroath lifeboat station on 14th October with her husband Paddy to deliver the models.
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
