Calshot RNLI Mourns Loss Of Bryan Laughlin

Bryan initially joined the crew not long after the station’s opening in 1970, as a serving police officer at the time, he had to gain special permission from Hampshire’s Chief Constable before being able to do so. He served in a variety of roles until 1986 when he stood down due to other work and family commitments.

In 2001, Bryan returned to Calshot RNLI in the role of Deputy Launch Authority, before becoming Lifeboat Operations Manager in 2006, until his eventual retirement in 2012.

Former Calshot RNLI Coxswain Duncan Christie said of Bryan: ‘I first started working with Bryan in 2007 when I had the honour of being appointed Coxswain at Calshot RNLI. Bryan was our Lifeboat Operations Manager and over the years we developed a strong friendship whilst working together at one of the busiest lifeboat stations on the Solent. In 2007 alone we responded to 133 service calls, alongside training every Sunday and Wednesday. The foundation of our working relationship and friendship was communication, with a daily phone call quickly becoming part of our routine, a simple habit that reflected Bryans’s commitment, reliability and quiet dedication to the RNLI. Through both the challenging rescues and the happier occasions Bryan helped to create a station that was not only highly professional but also felt like a family. Sunday training was a prime example where crew would always be welcomed back to the station with delicious homemade cakes kindly provided by Bryan’s wife Pat. Those moments of friendship and camaraderie meant so much to us all. Bryan will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure to work alongside him not only as an outstanding Lifeboat Operations Manager but, more importantly, as a loyal friend. It was a privilege to work alongside him, and I will be grateful for the years we shared.’

Fair winds and following seas Bryan!

RNLI Media Contacts

Justyn Leonard, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South East, [email protected]

Stella Sims, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 07483 316675, [email protected]

Sam Haddad, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for London and South East England, 01202 137713, [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]

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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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