Donate now

Hitler's Royal Yacht book raises cash for Hartlepool RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

The proceeds of a book telling the story of Hitler's royal yacht the 'Aviso Grille' have been donated to the Hartlepool RNLI by its author 73 year old Mick Coverdale.

RNLI/Tom Collins

Author Mick Coverdale pictured presenting the cheque to RNLI trainee crewmember Danielle Austin.
Mick said "Hitlers Royal Yacht which had been seized by the British at the end of the war was berthed in the old Harbour Dock in 1946 and soon became a tourist attraction with adults being charged a shilling and children sixpence for a look around the vessel.
The book took about 8 months to write and also includes the story of the 'Grillet' which was one of the yachts three motor boats and was moored in Hartlepool for many years. I'm delighted to support the work of the volunteer crewmembers at the lifeboat station who do an amazing job and I would like to thank local author John Riddle for his support whilst I was writing the book and everyone who bought a copy."
Hartlepool RNLI chairman Malcolm Cook said "I still remember the 'Grillet' during its time at Hartlepool and I think it was owned by local businessman Tot Richardson. Mick's generous donation of £425.00 will help support the volunteers at the Ferry Road lifeboat station to help save lives at sea."

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, Twitter 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.

Categories