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Wells RNLI's Mersey class lifeboat Doris Mann of Ampthill undertakes final role

Lifeboats News Release

At 7:30 this morning Doris M Mann of Ampthill with a crew of six onboard comprising all the coxswains and senior crew left Wells harbour on her decommissioning passage to Lowestoft.

RNLI/Ray West

Doris M Mann of Ampthill

As she left the outer harbour the Station RNLI flag was lowered as a mark of huge respect and recognition for the 32 years of excellent service this lifeboat had achieved saving lives off Wells coastline.


Once clear of the harbour and at sea due north of the Boathouse the lifeboat turned to face the town and for the crew and the station to honour all who had served onboard this lifeboat over the years, particularly those crewmembers who are sadly no longer here but remembered forever.


As the lifeboat resumed on passage four white parachute flares were fired to mark the four decades the
Doris M Mann had steadfastly served Wells RNLI.

Notes to editors

The Mersey class all weather lifeboat, Doris M Mann of Ampthill operational number 12-003, entered service in Wells under coxswain Graham Walker in July 1990. She was funded by the legacy of Doris M Mann of Ampthill, Bedfordshire and was named by HRH the Duchess of Kent in a ceremony on Wells Quay on 17 July 1990.

Wells RNLI station shop and visitors centre is open from 10am to 4pm every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday (dependant on volunteer availability).

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Jessica Curtis, RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07860200790 or [email protected], Regional Media Officer on [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI/Ray West

Doris M Mann of Ampthill

RNLI/Ray West

Doris M Mann of Ampthill

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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