A Tyne class all-weather lifeboat sits moored in the harbour at the quayside.

The (second) story of Mary Irene Millar

Thursday 16 July 2026

A lot can happen to an ex-service lifeboat once it has completed its lifesaving service. Here's just one story of a lifeboat's second adventure.

Mary Irene Millar is a 47ft Tyne class lifeboat with an exceptional RNLI service record. Stationed at Portpatrick, she launched 251 times and helped save 70 lives, operating in some of the most challenging conditions around the coast.

Since her retirement in 2013, Mary Irene Millar has been cared for by Keith Berry, who sees himself not as an owner, but as a custodian of RNLI heritage. Having previously owned another retired RNLI lifeboat, Keith was drawn to Mary Irene Millar because of her strong service history and her place in the wider story of RNLI lifesaving.

When Keith took her on, the lifeboat was structurally sound and well maintained, reflecting the high standards upheld throughout her RNLI service. Any restoration or adaptation since has been undertaken with care and respect, keeping the vessel as close as possible to her original RNLI appearance and purpose.

A look at the repainted hull of the Mary Irene Millar ex-service lifeboat, which sits on struts on dry land. The colours have been repainted bright red and blue. — The hull still has the bold lifeboat blue and red colour scheme

A look at the Detroit diesel engines inside the engine room onboard a Tyne class lifeboat. The engines are painted light navy green. — The ex-lifeboat still has its original Detroit diesel engines

The iconic Detroit diesel engines – renowned for their reliability and distinctive sound – continue to be maintained to the same exacting standards required during operational service. Externally, the lifeboat remains a powerful visual reminder of the RNLI’s working fleet and the crews who served aboard her.

Now based at Mayflower Marina in Plymouth, Mary Irene Millar continues to attend RNLI and maritime events across South West England, the Channel Islands and beyond. She regularly helps the public connect with the RNLI’s lifesaving history, offering a tangible link to the charity’s crews, volunteers and the lives they saved.

'She’s a vital part of RNLI history,' says Keith. 'My role is simply to look after her and make sure that the story of the crews who served aboard her, and the lives they saved, continues to be told.'

Through ongoing care and visibility, Mary Irene Millar remains a living part of the RNLI story – honouring past service while inspiring continued support for lifesaving at sea.

Dunbar's Trent class all-weather lifeboat cruises along the sea past a rock formation. Two crew stand onboard the flying bridge with a further three on the rear deck. It's a bright sunny day.

Ever thought about buying a lifeboat?

You could buy your very own ex-service lifeboat and help funding the charity's lifesaving work. Visit our ex-lifeboat sales page to see which vessels are currently for sale.

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