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Hartlepool RNLI Lifeboat crewmember retires after 30 years service

Lifeboats News Release

A Hartlepool RNLI volunteer crewmember has retired after serving more than 30 years for the charity that saves lives at sea.

RNLI/Tom Collins

Hartlepool RNLI crewmember Steve Dunnet pictured at sea.
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Steve Dunnett whose son Liam currently works for the RNLI as a Fleet Operational Support Lead said 'Volunteering with the RNLI has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Over the past years dropping everything at the sound of the pager to serve our community and save lives at sea has been an experience I will never forget.

I am incredibly grateful for the camaraderie and the support of the crew whilst I am looking forward to finally enjoying more time with my wife Gill and my own family and nine grandchildren but I will miss the adrenaline and the shared purpose that brought us all together in the boathouse.

Thank you to everyone who has supported, mentored and stood alongside me throughout my time at the lifeboat station. I am proud to have played a small part in the charity’s lifesaving mission.
I wish you all fair winds, following seas, and safe returns.'

Former Coxswain and now a Deputy Launch Authority at the Ferry Road lifeboat station Robbie Maiden said 'Steve has been both a great friend and a trusted crewmember alongside me on many shouts over the years and like many of the long serving volunteer crewmembers has been a valuable mentor to many of the younger crew who have joined us. It's been rewarding to see Steve's son Craig and Liam volunteer with us over the years especially Liam who is now works for the charity.
I'm sure Steve will enjoy more time with his family and no doubt have many tales to tell his grandchildren about his many adventures on the lifeboats over the years.'

Hartlepool RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Steve Pounder said 'Both myself and Steve became volunteers about the same time and have been on many memorable shouts together over the years. I would like to thank Steve for his service to the charity and wish him well for the future'.

RNLI/Tom Collins

Steve Dunnett pictured with son Liam who were presented with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medals in 2022
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RNLI

Steve Dunnett pictured at the helm of an Hartlepool RNLI inshore lifeboat.
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RNLI/Tom Collins

Steve Dunnett pictured with wife Gill and volunteer crewmembers shown receiving his RNLI service record from former Hartlepool RNLI coxswain Robbie Maiden during a presentation at the Ferry Road lifeboat station.
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RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Tom Collins, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI North and East, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.

About the author

Tom Collins
Lifeboat Press Officer, Hartlepool Lifeboat Station

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