
Portpatrick RNLI celebrate the remarkable career of Robert McQueen
On Saturday 19 October 2024 the volunteer crew at Portpatrick RNLI Lifeboat Station held a surprise party to mark the retirement of Coxswain Robert McQueen after 49 years of service to the RNLI.
Lifeboat crews from far and wide came together to be part of the celebrations and pay tribute to Robert’s extraordinary service and career.
In a speech on behalf of the Portpatrick crew, Andy Ross – Senior Volunteer Coxswain said, ‘Robert is extremely well respected by our crew and their families. Everyone that I have spoken to said, when Robert was in charge of the lifeboat, we all knew, that no matter what the conditions, he would bring our crew safely home. His influence extends beyond Portpatrick, as shown by the presence of crew members from numerous other lifeboat stations who have been fortunate enough to learn from him during his career.’
The Portpatrick crew members presented Robert with the registration plate RNII COX. Andy Ross added, ‘There is no one more deserving of this plate. Robert’s pure, instinctive seamanship and split second, life or death decision making were a privilege to witness.’
It is public support that allows the RNLI to continue to save lives at sea and our volunteers need your support. To make a donation to the RNLI visit RNLI.org/support-us/give-money/donate
Notes to Editors
· Portpatrick Lifeboat Station has been operating since 1877. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to Portpatrick RNLI Lifeboat Station
· Coxswain Robert McQueen is available for interview.
· Click here to access the RNLI 200th anniversary media pack, which contains a selection of RNLI archive images from key points in the charity’s history, a RNLI history timeline, and a film of ‘200 years in 200 seconds’ – all of which can be downloaded.
Media contacts
Portpatrick Lifeboat Press Officer 07387 272583 / [email protected] or the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 / [email protected].
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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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.