RNLI Volunteer Peter Duncan, Will Be Truly Missed….

Peter joined our lifeboat family in 2011 when we were an independent rescue service, Portishead Lifeboat Trust, operating from Sugar Loaf Beach, Portishead.

As part of the voluntary rescue service, Peter joined as a shore crew initially, helping to launch the lifeboat and prepare her for service again once returning from call outs and training.

In 2013 just 2 years after joining the charity, Peter became one of the Deputy Launch Authorities, he demonstrated a clear reflection of the high standards that you need for the vital role. His enthusiasm and commitment was clear and he served in his DLA role for a further 8 years. Deputy Launch Authorities are a small team of volunteers who are a pivotal part of the operational crew. They have the responsibility to take the call from the HM Coastguard when the charity is required to launch on service. The DLA makes the decision to launch, alert the crew via pager and liaise with the Coastguards during the call out, no matter what time of day or night.

Dave Slack, Lifeboat Operations Manager said, ‘Trustworthy, Dependable, Selfless and Courageous, are the values of the RNLI and these four words sum up Peter very well. As a Deputy Launching Authority, Peter held a high level of responsibility and met this challenge every time he was called upon to do so. As an RNLI crew, our volunteers demonstrate our core values in different ways, and these values often drive us on, through personal challenges too. During his illness, Peter demonstrated real courage and never gave up hope of recovering. I truly admire Peter’s strength of character and I know that this level of courage is what all of our volunteers aspire to, both ashore and at sea. Peter was a gentleman in many ways and he was fine example of what an RNLI volunteer should be. We will truly miss him.’

Peter has no doubt helped to save many lives and assist countless more. We cannot thank him enough for his voluntary service to the Portishead Lifeboat Trust and since our adoption, the RNLI. He will be sorely missed by us all.

Our deepest condolences go to Peter’s wife Mary, their family and friends. Fair winds Peter…

Notes to editors

All images are ©RNLI Portishead

1 – Peter Duncan, RNLI Volunteer, DLA

2 & 3 – My Lady Anne launching on service, after Peter takes the call

4 - Crew volunteers stand with the flag at half mast in honour of Peter

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For more information please contact Helen Lazenby, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07800 595995, [email protected], Scott Eggins volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07539 270063, [email protected] or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 142,700 lives.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.