Whitby bids farewell to RNLI lifeboat, George and Mary Webb.
The RNLI volunteer crew as well as members of the public gathered to see the Trent class lifeboat depart Whitby for the last time.
After three months of intensive training on the new lifeboat the Shannon was made the operational lifeboat and it was time to say goodbye to the Trent class.
On Tuesday morning (12 September 2023) station mechanic Richard Dowson steered the boat out of the lifeboat pen for the last time. Flanking station Staithes and Runswick as well as Whitby's all weather and inshore lifeboats led the Trent out of the harbour.
Crowds gathered along the harbour and pier and cheered and waved as the lifeboat sailed past. Emotions were high with many people sad to see the lifeboat go and describing it as 'part of the furniture' in Whitby.
Former Coxswain Mike Russell headed out to see her go and said: 'For many years George and Mary Webb has brought myself and the crew safely home, and we will always be thankful for that, we have lots of memories of our time with her,'
Station mechanic Richard said: 'Although it's a sad day for us, she has served us well and is still in brilliant condition after 27 years, It is time for her to retire now and join the relief fleet at Poole where she will be used for training.'
The new Shannon class lifeboat is a state of the art lifeboat with the most up to date technology for search and rescue. It also bears the name of 10,000 people, many of which were added in memory of lost loved ones.
For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
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.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.