Portrush RNLI says farewell to long serving Coxswain.

On Saturday evening (8 February) Portrush Lifeboat crew, friends and families gathered Portrush Yacht Club to say farewell to Coxswain Des Austin, who recently retired from crew.

Des started his career with Portrush RNLI in 1992 as Inshore Lifeboat Crew and helm, moving on to the All-weather boat as crew in 1996. Des was then appointed Deputy second cox in 2008 a position that he held until 2012, when he took over as Coxswain, a position which he held until he retired.

As well as these positions Des was also Lifeboat Training Co-ordinator from 2008 to 2023. In that time Des trained and mentored many young crew members, some of whom are now Coxswains at the station.

Des was also trained in Casualty Care and latterly as plant operator, First Aider, and Inshore Lifeboat Shore Crew.

But all the above only tell part of the story. Des has trained, mentored, supported crew throughout his career at the station. He has been fearless in championing the volunteer ethos, and a staunch supporter of making sure things were done right. The big turnout of crew young and old, past, and present at his retirement party is testament to the high regard in which he is held.

Anna Classon, RNLI Head of Region and John Payne – RNLI Lifesaving Operations Director also sent video messages to mark the occasion.

Meanwhile in the background was Des’s wife Shirley, who has supported him throughout his lifeboat career. Liked many crew partners, the experience is when the pager goes- dinners will be abandoned, family events interrupted, and on one occasion Shirley had to make her own way home due to a shout and Des being on call. Des paid tribute to her during his speech and thanked her for her unwavering support.

As Perry Walton Senior Coxswain said, Des was a committed lifeboat crew man and has been one of the architects of the great crew and station we have today, and even when Des isn’t out on the shout- within the hour the phone will ring, and it’ll be Des just checking that all is well’.

Des was presented with whiskey and glasses by Gary McLaughlin, Coxswain as well as a piece of Derry crystal with an engraving of the All-weather Lifeboat. His framed record of service was presented by Mike Grocott, RNLI Regional Support Lead. Judy Nelson Volunteer Press Officer presented Shirly with a bouquet of flowers.

After the formal proceedings everyone enjoyed food from the Ramore and had time to catch up and congratulate Des.

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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