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Yarmouth RNLI celebrates 100 years of lifesaving

Lifeboats News Release

As well as the RNLI’s 200th celebrations this year, 2024 also was an exciting milestone for Yarmouth RNLI.

Yarmouth Severn class lifeboat Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer) 17-25 decorated for the occasion outside the Yarmouth Sailing Club.

RNLI/Hebe Gregory

Yarmouth Severn class lifeboat Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer) 17-25 decorated for the occasion outside the Yarmouth Sailing Club.

The September sun shone down on current and past crews, their families and friends and crew from flanking search and rescue services including Cowes RNLI and Freshwater Independent Lifeboat at Yarmouth Sailing Club, where a party was thrown to mark an incredible 100 years of lifesaving for Yarmouth RNLI.


People of all ages and from all walks of life shared stories, laughed together and came together to watch Station President Dame Ellen MacArthur unveil the official acknowledgement from the RNLI, which was signed by the former chief executive Mark Dowie.

Dame Ellen MacArthur then presented the framed letter to Lifeboat Operations Manager, Tom Carlstedt-Duke who proudly accepted on behalf of Yarmouth Station in front of Yarmouth’s current Severn class RNLI lifeboat, ‘Wanderer’ who for the day was moored pride of place opposite the sailing club, decorated in dress flags and golden balloons.

In his speech, Tom said ‘The RNLI refers a lot these days to 'One Crew' by which they mean not just the visible crew who man the lifeboat when it goes out on a shout, but also the other volunteers who work to make this possible, and it is good to see some of them here today as they are all part of Yarmouth Lifeboat Station.’

After the speeches, including one by local historian Kevin Shaw who shared lots of history of Yarmouth RNLI since 1924 including notable medals and achievements, guests were treated to a BBQ which included food that had been kindly donated by several island businesses whilst listening to the beautiful vocals of local musician, Romy Helen who entertained everyone throughout the day.

Senior Station Technician, Richard Pimm had worked tirelessly over the last few months to organise the event and had even compiled a large showcase of photos and newspaper clippings from over the years which included photos of several RNLI lifeboats that had been based at Yarmouth and past and present crew, all of which sparked the most wonderful conversations between guests who reminisced about their time as crew.

Thanks is to be given to The Bugle Coaching Inn, Adrian at The Wheatsheaf of Yarmouth, Northwood House of Cowes, The Royal Solent Yacht Club, all the team at Yarmouth Sailing Club, Kevin Hall who helped with the catering for the event, Yarmouth Harbour who opened the Yar Bridge especially for us twice during the day and several local businesses including the Isle of Wight Tomato Company, Coast and Country and Medina Food Service.


If you’re interested in a volunteering opportunity at Yarmouth Lifeboat Station, please email [email protected]

Notes to editors

  • Photo attached - Yarmouth Severn class lifeboat Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer) 17-25 dressed for the occasion outside Yarmouth Sailing Club. Dame Ellen MacArthur unveiling the framed letter signed by the former CEO Mark Dowie. Guests enjoying speeches made by local historian Kevin Shaw, Coxswain Howard Lester, and Lifeboat Operations Manager Tom Carlstedt-Duke.
  • Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat 17-25 Eric and Susan Hiscock ‘Wanderer’ came into service in 2001, prior to that Yarmouth RNLI had an Arun Class Lifeboat 52-08 Joy and John Wade which was in service for 23 years.

RNLI contact details:

● Hebe Gregory, Yarmouth RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]

●Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager (South East & London) [email protected]

● Julie Rainey, Regional Communications Lead (South East) [email protected]

For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

Guests listening to the speeches made by local historian Kevin Shaw, Lifeboat Operations Manager Tom Carlstedt-Duke, Coxswain Howard Lester and Lifeboat Station President Dame Ellen MacArthur.

RNLI/Hebe Gregory

Guests listening to the speeches made by local historian Kevin Shaw, Lifeboat Operations Manager Tom Carlstedt-Duke, Coxswain Howard Lester and Lifeboat Station President Dame Ellen MacArthur.
Dame Ellen MacArthur unveiling the framed letter signed by the former CEO Mark Dowie.

RNLI/Hebe Gregory

Dame Ellen MacArthur unveiling the framed letter signed by the former CEO Mark Dowie.
Yarmouth Severn class lifeboat Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer) 17-25 decorated for the occasion outside the Yarmouth Sailing Club.

RNLI/Hebe Gregory

Yarmouth Severn class lifeboat Eric and Susan Hiscock (Wanderer) 17-25 decorated for the occasion outside the Yarmouth Sailing Club.
Signed letter signed by former CEO Mark Dowie

RNLI/Hebe Gregory

Signed letter signed by former CEO Mark Dowie

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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