Donate now

Wells RNLI and Hunstanton RNLI come together for joint training exercise

Lifeboats News Release

In a display of continued cooperation and skill, the crews from Wells RNLI and Hunstanton RNLI met up for their joint training exercise on Sunday 28 January 2024.

RNLI Wells and RNLI Hunstanton D class lifeboat Peter Wilcox and B class Spirit of West Norfolk on joint training exercise 28 January 2024

RNLI/Simon Parkes

RNLI Wells and RNLI Hunstanton D class lifeboat Peter Wilcox and B class Spirit of West Norfolk

This training exercise was the continuation of a tradition between the two stations that has occurred for many years.

During the exercise,Wells RNLI's all-weather lifeboat, Duke of Edinburgh Shannon class and D class lifeboat Peter Wilcox practiced towing and crew transfer with Hunstanton RNLI’s B class lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk, and their Rescue Hovercraft, the Hunstanton Flyer. This exercise allowed both crews to engage in training across three classes of rescue craft, enhancing their operational proficiency and skills.

This exercise is important for both stations, providing an opportunity to expand their understanding of the different lifeboats in the RNLI fleet, their operational differences, and ways to more effectively work together in future rescue operations.

RNLI Coxswain Nicky King said: ‘These training exercises are of great importance to all crew members from both stations to give them a better understanding of the capabilities of the RNLI’s rescue crafts which will aid future joint operations.’

Wells RNLI and Hunstanton RNLI look forward to continuing these training exercises together and building a bond that not only enhances their skills but also ensures the safety and well-being of those at sea.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Jessica Curtis, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07860200790 or [email protected]


RNLI Wells and RNLI Hunstanton D class lifeboat Peter Wilcox and B class Spirit of West Norfolk, Shannon class lifeboat Duke of Edinburgh and Hunstanton rescue hovercraft the Hunstanton flyer on joint training exercise 28 January 2024

RNLI/Simon Parkes

RNLI Wells and RNLI Hunstanton on joint exercise towing and crew transfer training.
RNLI’s volunteer crew member Mandy Humphries joining RNLI Hunstanton on B class lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk While on a joint training exercise, towing and crew transfer

RNLI/Simon Parkes

RNLI’s volunteer crew member Mandy Humphries joining RNLI Hunstanton on B class lifeboat Spirit of West Norfolk

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.