In memory of Ivan Warren
The volunteer crew of Littlehampton RNLI lifeboat station are mourning the loss of Ivan Warren, a volunteer Deputy Launching Authority (DLA) and well-known figure in Littlehampton Harbour, who died on 24th March 2020 from an ongoing illness.
Ivan, who was 68 and a long-term resident of Littlehampton, was DLA at Littlehampton RNLI for nine years. The role is a crucial one and involves taking responsibility for the launch of the station’s lifeboats.
Ivan was a charter boat skipper for many years, running diving and fishing trips from his boat Michelle Mary. He was also responsible for finding and identifying many wrecks off the Sussex coast. He was often accompanied on his boat by his dog Skipper, who wore his own little lifejacket and even had his own boat.
Remembering Ivan, Nick White, Littlehampton RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “Ivan’s expertise and knowledge of our stretch of sea was second to none. He lived and breathed boats and the sea, was on top of technology and always knew what was happening. He was a totally dependable launching authority for our station, and he loved being involved. Ivan will be greatly missed by everyone at Littlehampton RNLI and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Ivan leaves his partner Sharon Neem, his two daughters in Scotland and his brother and sister-in-law in Australia. His funeral was held at Littlehampton Cemetery on 9th April 2020, attended by Sharon.
Key facts about the RNLI
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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