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Tobermory RNLI mourns loss of former Coxswain Phil Higson

Lifeboats News Release

Tobermory RNLI is extremely sad to announce that former Coxswain Phil Higson passed away suddenly on 11th January aged 52.

RNLI/Sam Jones

Former Tobermory RNLI Coxswain, Phil Higson

We are extremely sad to announce that our longest serving Coxswain, Phil Higson passed away suddenly on 11 January 2019. Phil joined the crew in March 1992 and served for more than 20 years. He became Second Coxswain in 1996 and the full time Station Coxswain in 2001. During Phil’s service, he helped to save many lives and assist many people as well as mentoring and training volunteer crew at Tobermory. He will be remembered for his professionalism and sense of fun as well as trying to entice Princess Anne into the pub for a pint. Phil’s funeral will take place at the West Suffolk Crematorium near Bury St Edmunds on Friday 8 February. Our thoughts are with Sarah, Steven and Scott at this very sad time.

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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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