It's like they're part of the crew
This is how Volunteer Crew Member Darren Hunt describes your loved one, and all those named on the legacy lifeboat 13-44 George and Frances Phelon.
You can hear more from Darren, and other members of the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston lifeboat crew, in this special video. Hear how much the lifeboat means to them. Discover the difference the Shannon will make to lifesaving off Norfolk’s North Sea coast. And learn why the crew are so grateful for kind gifts in Wills like your loved one’s.
A new era of lifesaving
Since the Shannon class legacy lifeboat 13-44 George and Frances Phelon arrived at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Lifeboat Station on 23 September 2023, the crew have been training very hard to get to grips with its advanced lifesaving capabilities.
The Shannon is being kept on a temporary pontoon while improvement works are carried out at the station to make the existing berth and boarding method fit for this special legacy lifeboat. These important station works are expected to take at least 2 years.
The legacy lifeboat has arrived!
On 23 September, the Shannon class lifeboat 13-44 George and Frances Phelon, arrived at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Station. You can see what happened, and stay updated with the latest news and lifeboat updates, via the stations Facebook page. While the station hopes to be able to celebrate with supporters in the future, a busy period of training and adaptation will be happening. Your patience and understanding throughout this process will be appreciated.
Because the station is run by volunteers, we ask that you please refrain from contacting the station directly with any legacy lifeboat specific queries. But if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].
Legacy lifeboat mementos
You can now purchase a lifesaving memento in memory of the special person commemorated on the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Shannon 13-44 legacy lifeboat.
You can choose the individual letter or number that your loved one's name is in or the full lifeboat decal. Please note that the port and starboard sides will have different names on.
Every purchase will help save lives at sea because 30% of the profit will be donated to the RNLI and used wherever the need is greatest. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee you will see your loved one's name in every image or product as the writing may be too small. Please see our Photostore website for more details.
The legacy lifeboat event
We had the privilege of welcoming a number of you to our legacy lifeboat event. This was a very special event and we were honoured to meet many of you and hear the stories you shared of your loved ones.
We have also made a very special film as a memento of the weekend, and especially for those of you who could not make the event. We hope this helps you feel like you were there in person.
Find your loved one's name
For the first time, you can now see where your loved one’s name is on the legacy lifeboat.
Using our online name search tool, simply type in your loved one’s name to see which letter or number of the lifeboat’s decal their name is in and which side of the lifeboat their name is on.
Please note: The name must be entered exactly as shown in your legacy lifeboat letter, unless we agreed changes with you directly. For example, John Smith, John A Smith, John Andrew Smith or John ‘Smithy’ Smith.
If you need help with finding your loved one's name, or you have any other queries, please email us at [email protected].
Progress on your legacy lifeboat
On Tuesday 12 April, the completion of the new Shannon and the first ever legacy lifeboat was marked in true RNLI tradition.
The bell-ringing ceremony was recorded and you can now watch the video below.
The lifeboat is now going through a programme of rigorous trials to check its seaworthiness, safety and reliability.
While there are currently some delays to the arrival of the legacy lifeboat at the station, the station is able to remain on service with its current, and heavier, Trent class all-weather lifeboat.
How the Shannon came to the rescue in 2023
521 LAUNCHES
1,169 TOTAL HOURS THE SHANNON FLEET WAS ON SERVICE
990 PEOPLE HELPED AROUND THE UK AND IRELAND
42% OF ALL SHANNON LAUNCHES WERE IN DARKNESS
The name of the legacy lifeboat
The name of this new lifeboat is George and Frances Phelon (pronounced Feelon). The legacy of Mrs Frances Phelon fully funded the build of this lifeboat and she asked that it be named after herself and her late husband.
We created the idea of a legacy lifeboat to honour everyone who has left a gift in their Will. The George and Frances Phelon was specially chosen to be our first legacy lifeboat. We’ll be proud to display your loved one’s name alongside the names of these other special members of the RNLI family on the sides of the lifeboat.
Leave a dedication
We would love to hear the heart-warming stories about your loved one whose name will be on the side of the legacy lifeboat - and celebrate their connection to the RNLI.
To help share your stories and pay tribute to your loved one, we’ve created a web page with our partner MuchLoved. It’s a very special community filled with supporters like you. You can use it to honour the person you miss in the most fitting way for you and your family.
Legacies help save lives
The RNLI is dedicated to saving lives at sea but, as an independent charity, relies on the generosity of the public and the commitment of thousands of volunteers.
Gifts in Wills help to provide the kit and training that protect RNLI volunteer crews at sea, and 6 in every 10 lifeboat launches are only possible due to the extraordinary kindness of supporters leaving a gift to the RNLI in their Will.