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Change of Lifeboat Operations Manager at Stranraer RNLI
Change of Lifeboat Operations Manager at Stranraer RNLI
Lifeboats News Release
Stranraer RNLI Lifeboat Station has announced a change in leadership, with Antony Simpson taking on the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM), succeeding Sean Hannah, who has held the position since September 2023.
Sean stepped forward to lead the station during a challenging period, providing stability and clear direction for the volunteer crew and management team. Working closely with the operations and training teams, he played a key part in strengthening local procedures, rebuilding confidence, and ensuring the station remained ready to respond to emergencies along the Galloway coast.
A long-serving RNLI volunteer, Sean has been part of the institution for 14 years, holding a number of operational and management roles. His calm, steady approach and ability to bring people together have earned him great respect among his fellow volunteers. While stepping away from the management position, Sean will continue to serve the community in his frontline role as a Search and Rescue (SAR) Helm, focusing on the operational delivery of the RNLI’s lifesaving mission.
Taking on the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager, Antony Simpson brings a remarkable 28 years of RNLI service and a depth of experience that spans nearly every operational and leadership role within a lifeboat station.
Antony first joined Stranraer RNLI in the mid-1990s and has since served as Crew, Helm, Station Helm, Lifeboat Training Coordinator, and most recently, Launch Authority. Throughout his time with the RNLI, Antony has been known for his operational knowledge, calm leadership, and dedication to training and safety. He has played a vital part in developing new crew members and ensuring that the station maintains the high standards of competence and readiness expected of the RNLI.
His appointment marks a continuation of strong local leadership at Stranraer Lifeboat Station. Antony’s deep understanding of the station’s operations, its people, and its role within the community make him ideally placed to guide the crew as they continue their vital work saving lives at sea.
Area Lifesaving Manager, Bob McMaster, said: “Following a recent recruitment process, Stranraer Lifeboat Station is delighted to welcome Antony Simpson into the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager. Antony brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served with Stranraer RNLI for over 20 years in roles including Crew and Helm.
``We all wish Antony every success in his new role and extend our sincere thanks to Sean Hannah for the hard work and dedication he has shown during his time as Lifeboat Operations Manager.
``I am confident that under Antony’s leadership, the station will continue to go from strength to strength and maintain the high standards of professionalism and teamwork that underpin the RNLI’s vital lifesaving service in the area.”
The crew and management at Stranraer RNLI have expressed their gratitude to Sean for his dedication and leadership over the past year and warmly welcome Antony into his new position. Together, they remain focused on maintaining the operational excellence, teamwork, and community connection that lie at the heart of the RNLI’s mission to save lives at sea.
RNLI media contacts
Jim Ryder, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Stranraer RNLI, [email protected]
Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
