Kirkcudbright RNLI's ILB Sheila Stenhouse B- 814 - “She deserves a medal”

Now the oldest Atlantic 85 in the RNLI Fleet this boat has served the coast around the Solway for two decades. As Kirkcudbright crew take over the wonderful new boathouse facility the current boat has been retired and will be replaced with a new Atlantic 85.

When she first came on service she was one of the earliest Atlantic 85’s in Scotland. On 13 October 2007 she was named at Kirkcudbright Harbour by Mrs Carol Richmond, in memory of her late aunt, whose bequest had funded the lifeboat. Like many boats in the RNLI fleet she was funded by the generosity of donors. The Sheila Stenhouse replaced the Atlantic 21 Peter and Grace Ewing.

The service record of the Sheila Stenhouse was

197 launches

198 people assisted

93 craft assisted

25% of her activity was to assist sailing boats.

The Atlantic 85 was an improvement on the former Atlantic 21. The Sheila Stenhouse was capable of speeds up to 35 knots the Atlantic 85 could launch in daylight in force 7 conditions and at night in a force 6.

As the numbers above testify the Sheila Stenhouse has been involved in many and varied call outs. Sometimes being turned back even before launching and at other times launching in rough dangerous conditions and being at sea for many hours.

She has covered cliff rescues, capsized boats, engine failures, missing person searches, recovery of vessels run aground. Numerous kayakers, swimmers, fishermen and people stranded. Most shouts have good outcomes but the crew’s thoughts often turn to the more tragic events. However the volunteer crew can be very proud of the more than 200 people that have been assisted when needing help.

Through all this the Sheila Stenhouse, given as a generous gift, has been an excellent lifeboat and will be missed.

Along with John Collins, Mechanic, four more members of crew have been with this boat through her whole service, Robert Ross, Senior Helm, Marin Valentine, Helm, Derek Ingram, Helm and Michel Cadiet Shore Crew (previously boat crew). This is a testament to the dedication of the volunteer crews and as the Sheila Stenhouse steps down to be replaced by a new Atlantic 85 George D Dow a new younger crew are waiting in the wings to take over.

The new boathouse opening ceremony will be held on 26 September, due to restricted access it will be a small event with a larger ceremony at the harbour later in the day, when the public are welcome to come along to see the new boat the George D Dow being named.

Open days will then be held on dates to be confirmed when the volunteer crew and fundraisers look forward to welcoming everyone who has supported the RNLI so generously in the last two years. Details of these events will be published later.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Christine Collins, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Kirkcudbright, [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]

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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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.