Bembridge RNLI naming ceremony for new D-Class inshore lifeboat, Sue

The new lifeboat was made possible thanks to the Michael Cornish Charitable Trust that made an extraordinary donation which has supported not only the build of the lifeboat but also wider lifeboat fleet modifications.

The lifeboat situated in Bembridge is in recognition, and named in honour, of Sue Cornish. The trust was established by Michael Cornish in 2005 and via the trust both Sue and Michael have been able to support various charities.

Inshore lifeboats usually operate closer to shore and are used to manoeuvre in shallow waters and nearer to cliffs. They are designed to be quick allowing our crew to get as close as possible to those in trouble. The inshore lifeboat fleet consists of B, D and E class lifeboats, Bembridge station has historically had a D-Class since 1964.

Bembridge lifeboat station, located on the Isle of Wight has an inshore lifeboat station and a main boathouse away from the shore reachable via the pier. A lifeboat was first stationed at Bembridge in 1867 and operates a Tamar all-weather lifeboat - the 16-17 Alfred Albert Williams - and now, D-912 Sue.

The first inshore lifeboat housed at Bembridge RNLI in 1964 was manufactured by R.F.D Co Ltd based in Godalming, Surrey and was manufactured between 1963 to 1984. Between then and now, there have been ten ILBs at Bembridge making the newest the 11^th in service. From its inception, the lifeboat has evolved in design and capability. Its capacity allows for three to four crew with up to five survivors, and a maximum speed of up to 25 knots and a 68-litre fuel capacity.

ILBs have become an integral part of the RNLI's work as the charity has seen an increase in rescues involving paddleboarders, swimmers, smaller vessels, cliff incidents and tidal cut-off.

The naming ceremony on the 1 August was attended by station representatives from Hayling Island RNLI, Cowes RNLI and Yarmouth RNLI, Isle of Wight Guild members and family. We were honoured to have been in the presence of the High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight - Mr Nigel Hartley MBE and welcomed Ryan Hall - Deputy Director of Lifesaving Operations, and Reverend Steve Daugherty from Holy Trinity church.

Mr Nigel Hartley MBE, High Sherriff said on the day ‘I’m delighted to represent the Michael Cornish Charitable Trust for the naming and dedication of this D-Class lifeboat. Being High Sheriff for the last three months I see good people doing good things on a day-to-day basis and the RNLI here in Bembridge is no exception. I know the trustees are overjoyed to hand this lifeboat officially to the care of the RNLI’.

Ryan Hall, Deputy Director of Lifesaving Operations at the RNLI, said during the ceremony ‘As we look at the men and women here from Bembridge lifeboat station that represent this community I am proud to stand here today and accept the lifeboat on behalf of the organisation. We are immensely proud of those that give up their time to volunteer here. The RNLI and the island community are very grateful for all that you do. We are indebted to the trust that have generously funded this lifeboat and we would like to express our thanks to Michael Cornish Charitable trust. I know this lifeboat will give our crews outstanding service and keep them safe for years to come.’

The day was made extra special with notable recognition given to several crew members for their brave actions during a rescue on 22 July 2025. They received the RNLI Chief Executive’s Commendation for saving thirteen teenagers and two adults from a 33‑metre vessel that was taking on water in heavy swells and strong winds. The award was handed to Guy Willing, John Attrill, Andy Sibley, Steve Jones and Alex Sibley. Although the commendation highlights specific actions, it’s important to recognise that this was a full‑crew effort from the operational crew to the shore crew supporting throughout. The rescue lasted 7.5 hours, and it’s a reminder that our operations only work because every single person plays their part.

Service awards were also presented to Guy Willing for 20 years of service, Richard Bishop for 30 years of service, and to Marc Thwaites for an incredible 40 years of service - one of our longest‑serving crewmen here at Bembridge RNLI,

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Laura Campos, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]

Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 488243, [email protected]

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for London and South East England, 07827 358256, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

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