Launch a Memory
Through Launch a Memory, you can remember someone dear to you, or celebrate someone special still in your life, by adding their name to a new E class lifeboat destined for the River Thames in London.
Be part of our 25-year story on the Thames
2027 will mark 25 years of RNLI lifeboats on the River Thames. In honour of why four lifeboat stations were established on the river in 2002, we will remember those tragically lost in the 1989 Marchioness disaster on the new E class lifeboat. By adding your loved one’s name, you’ll both be part of our lifesaving legacy on the Thames for many more years to come.
Here’s what you get when you Launch a Memory with the RNLI:
‘It would be an honour to save lives on the Thames in your loved one’s name’
Our brave Thames crews
Since 2002, our brave crews have helped to make the tidal River Thames a safer place for everyone to enjoy and work on. The number of emergencies on the river is so high that Tower, Wandsworth Riverside (formerly Chiswick) and Gravesend lifeboat stations each have a 24-hour, full-time crew made up of volunteers and paid staff who are ready to launch at a moment’s notice.
A unique class of lifeboat
With a top speed of 40 knots, the E class is the fastest RNLI lifeboat, which is crucial to saving people from the heavy river traffic, submerged debris and cold temperatures. Waterjets make the E class more agile, more versatile and safer in the fast-flowing currents too.
Names will appear on panels around the centre console, as shown, and on the engine cover, instead of within the lifeboat number: E-12.
A special lifeboat
The new E class lifeboat has been funded by the incredibly generous legacy of Brian Bonnard. It will be named Jules Alexander Venebales Bonnard in memory of Brian's father, who was a London firefighter during the First and Second World Wars.
Saving lives on the Thames
Find out more about the lifeboat stations the Thames Launch a Memory lifeboat will serve.
How Launch a Memory works
A chance to buy tickets to see the Thames lifeboat up close at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset.*
*Note: All timings are dependent on operational constraints and are subject to change.
Frequently asked questions about Launch a Memory
Here are some answers to the most common questions people ask about Launch a Memory and how it works. Read our full FAQs for more detail and answers to questions not listed here.
On the Thames Launch a Memory lifeboat, the names will be displayed within special panels on the side or top of the centre console, or on the side of the engine cover, as shown in the examples below. Unfortunately, due to the various locations, we cannot accept specific location requests.
Although Launch a Memory was created for supporters to remember loved ones no longer with us, we now have lots of supporters who also add the names of people still with us. We have had supporters add someone's name for a birthday present, anniversary and even a wedding gift!
You are welcome to add:
- the name of a loved one you miss and wish to remember
- the name of a special family member or friend who is still with us
- your name
- the names of a couple for an anniversary or wedding gift. Please add as two separate names (you will receive two separate certificates).
- the name of a beloved pet.
Your certificate
If you are donating as a gift for a living loved one, once you have submitted your name, you'll be given the opportunity to request a gift version of the certificate by emailing [email protected].
If I submit more than one name, will they appear next to each other on the lifeboat?
To produce the decals containing the names, we input all names into software that helps to arrange them within the shapes of the centre console and engine cover panels.
Names are flowed in sequentially in the order they are submitted. Some names are then manually moved around to ensure there are no empty gaps, allowing us to maximise space and give everyone an opportunity to add a name to the lifeboat.
Due to the intricacies of this process, it is difficult to accommodate requests to keep names together. We really appreciate your support and understanding.
We have a suggested donation to add a name of £75/€75. This has been based on careful consideration of the resources and costs required, including looking at the average donation amount received during previous campaigns, and surveying previous Launch a Memory donors.
Updates on our Launch a Memory lifeboats
Check out the latest news from our Launch a Memory fleet, adorned with the names of thousands of incredible supporters who are part of every rescue and every life saved.
Thames updates
Swanage updates
Exmouth updates
Eric's Legend updates
Whitby Updates
Anstruther Updates
Wells updates
Clifden Updates
Invergordon updates
Bereavement support
If you are struggling and need support, please contact your GP or reach out to a support organisation such as:
Samaritans Ireland or Samaritans UK - call 116 123, 24 hours a day.
Cruse Bereavement Support - call 0808 808 1677.
Mind - call 0300 123 3393 (10am-6pm, Monday-Friday).
- In the UK, text SHOUT to 85258 (24 hours).
- In Ireland, text HELLO to 50808 (24 hours).
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now. If you’re in the UK and you need help urgently with your mental health, but it’s not an emergency, visit NHS 111 online or call 111.