RNLI Seahouses lifeboat coxswain retires after 38 years of loyal service
Members of Seahouses RNLI Lifeboat Station Operations Team met at the Boathouse on Friday 31 March, to say farewell to their full-time Coxswain/Mechanic John Hanvey, who retired after 38 years of loyal service to the charity.
John joined the crew at the age of 17, and later was appointed volunteer 2nd mechanic, before becoming the full-time mechanic in 2002. In 2005 he became full-time Coxswain/Mechanic. His pride in keeping the all-weather lifeboat RNLB Grace Darling in immaculate condition, attracted much praise and comment from the many visitors to the station.
His ability to engage with the public, provide tours and talks to school and group visits, made him a tremendous asset to the station. His knowledge of the treacherous areas around the Farne Islands was invaluable, as were his technical skills. His calm and good judgement, made him an ideal man for the job. John will leave a very large gap to fill.
John marks the end of a family connection with the RNLI. John’s father passed away in December 2016, and had served the RNLI for an amazing 65 years, latterly as Chairman of the station management committee up to his death. It is hoped that after a few months break, John may yet return as a volunteer crewman.
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For more information please contact Ian Clayton, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on: 07981 069177.
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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 146,000 lives.
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