Southend RNLI volunteers reunite with restored historic Southend lifeboat

The visit held special significance for the volunteers. It provided an opportunity to not only reconnect with a historical lifesaving vessel but also to pay tribute to Colin Sedgwick MBE. A dedicated volunteer who served the RNLI for over 54 years, Colin tragically passed away recently. He played a vital role in Southend-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat station, serving as a helm on the inshore lifeboats, a crew member on the Greater London II, and ultimately becoming the Lifeboat Operations Manager. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the station's future.

The Greater London II, (Civil Service No 30) a Watson class lifeboat, served at Southend-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat station with distinction between 1955 and 1976. During its time in service, Greater London II launched over 279 times, saving a remarkable 160 lives. Its final launch at Southend occurred on 28 March 1976. Greater London II went on to serve at Beaumaris RNLI until 1989. Greater London II was renamed Gallichan after coxswain David Gallichan who was awarded the bronze medal in recognition of the courage, judgement and seamanship during a rescue in December 1981.

The lifeboat found a new home and was lovingly restored by its current owners, Mike and Carol Clark. Mike and Carol invited the Southend volunteers to Weymouth for a chance to see Gallichan up close and take the historic lifeboat for a trip at sea.

Southend-on-Sea RNLI volunteer Iain Keenan Said: 'The trip to Weymouth was very special, it wasn't just about the historic lifesaving connection or seeing and steering our last all-weather lifeboat. It was also a very special tribute to Colin Sedgwick, we wore our RNLI jumpers for the day and raised a glass on the bow of the former Southend lifeboat that Colin had served and saved lives on. Colin was even onboard for the final launch on 28 March, 1976. Thanks to Mike and Carol for such a memorable day’.

Aboard Gallichan, joined by Weymouth RNLI fundraising chair Teresa, the charity's volunteers enjoyed a trip out of Weymouth harbour towards Lulworth Cove and back. The journey was filled with lively discussions about past and present lifesaving experiences, along with details about the Gallichan's restoration after its return from Barcelona.

To conclude the memorable visit, the Southend RNLI volunteers were welcomed at the Weymouth RNLI lifeboat station, where they had a chance to meet Steve, the Lifeboat Operations Manager, and Barry, the station treasurer, for a friendly chat and refreshments.

This heart-warming reunion serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the RNLI and the lasting bonds forged through lifesaving endeavours of the charity.

Southend RNLI history: https://southendlifeboat.org/history-of-southend-lifeboat/

The RNLI is funded by the generosity of the public, the charity that saves lives at sea ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Ends

Notes to editors

• Southend-on-Sea lifeboat station has been operating since 1879. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://southendlifeboat.org/
• Former Southend-on-Sea RNLI lifeboat Greater London II was launched from a slip at the end of Southend pier.

RNLI media contacts

• For more information please contact: Nigel Gilchrist, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Southend-on-Sea RNLI, 07765875300 or [email protected],
• Hatti Mellor | RNLI Regional Communications Manager – South East, [email protected]
• Julie Rainey, Regional Communications Lead - South East, on 07827 358 256 or email [email protected]
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

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 142,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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