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Memorial Plaque Unveiled at Harwich Lifeboat Station to Honor Lifesaving Legacy

Lifeboats News Release

Harwich RNLI Lifeboat Station has unveiled a memorial plaque to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of John Teatherdge, a devoted second coxswain and lifelong champion of saving lives at sea.

Memorial Plaque in the ILB hall at Harwich

RNLI/Adam Prescott

Memorial Plaque in the ILB hall at Harwich

John, who joined the Harwich RNLI crew at just 20 years old, dedicated 43 years of his life to the lifeboat station, saving 427 lives and assisting countless others in their times of need. Tragically, John passed away on Boxing Day 2020 at the age of 63 following complications after surgery.

The plaque, unveiled in the presence of John’s family, friends, and RNLI volunteer crew members, commemorates the incredible fundraising efforts led by his family and supporters in his memory. Over £12,500 was raised through initiatives such as sponsored walks and art exhibitions. These funds contributed significantly to the re-fit of the station’s B Class lifeboat, Tierney, Harvey and Sonny Reid, ensuring it remains ready for service and saving lives.

A Legacy of Courage and Compassion

The memorial is a poignant reminder of John’s unwavering dedication. He first arrived at the Harwich station in 1977 as a 17-year-old volunteer. Over the decades, he became a cornerstone of the crew, renowned for his bravery, kindness, and encyclopedic knowledge of the sea.

In 2003, John was appointed second coxswain, a role he held until his untimely passing. For John, the call to save lives at sea transcended the constraints of time or weather. His selfless commitment ensured that help was always at hand for those in distress.

A Tribute That Will Endure

The memorial plaque now stands as a lasting tribute to John’s remarkable contributions to the RNLI and the community. His family and fundraisers have ensured his legacy lives on, not only in the lifeboat station he called home but also in the lives that will continue to be saved thanks to the lifeboat his memory helped to re-fit.


About Harwich RNLI

Harwich RNLI Lifeboat Station is home to a B class Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat and a Severn class all-weather lifeboat. The station and its dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to uphold the RNLI’s mission of saving lives at sea.

For further information, please contact: Adam Prescott - Harwich - [email protected]

RNLI/Adam Prescott

Some of John's family

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.

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