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Portpatrick RNLI volunteer paints a tribute to coxswain Robert McQueen

Lifeboats News Release

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.

Jonathon Pearson presents the painting to Robert McQueen

RNLI/Jeanette Hardy

Jonathon Pearson presents the painting to Robert McQueen

Volunteer crew member and talented artist Jonathon Pearson presented Robert with a painting of his most famous rescue.

Whilst providing cover at Tobermory RNLI on 27 January 2013, Robert and crew were paged to assist a fishing vessel. A rescue which earned them all a letter of thanks and commendation. This rescue has also featured in an episode of Saving Lives and Sea and has now been beautifully captured by Jonathon.

Jonathon said, ‘It was my pleasure to capture Robert’s most memorable rescue on his favourite lifeboat – the Severn class. It has been a privilege to work with Robert and along with the rest of the crew, I wish him well in his retirement.’

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].

Jonathon's painting of Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat

RNLI/Jeanette Hardy

Jonathon's painting of Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat

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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