New Coxswain appointed at Tynemouth RNLI
Tynemouth RNLI has announced the appointment of Vincenzo Stifanelli as its new coxswain, marking an important moment for the station and the local community it serves.
Vincenzo (known as Enzo) who has volunteered with Tynemouth RNLI for over 10 years, takes over the role this month, succeeding Sam Clow, who steps down after three years of dedicated service to the station and the wider Tynemouth area.
A familiar face around the station and the community, Enzo first joined Tynemouth RNLI in 2015. Over the years, he has built up extensive experience at sea, working at Humber lifeboat as a Navigator and completing the RNLI’s comprehensive Coxswain Afloat Mechanic training programme in 2025.
As coxswain, Enzo will lead the volunteer lifeboat crew during callouts, making critical decisions at sea and ensuring everyone returns safely home. The role also includes supporting and mentoring crew members and helping maintain the strong sense of teamwork that underpins the station’s lifesaving work.
Speaking about the new role, Enzo said:
'Tynemouth RNLI has always felt like a family to me. We’re all volunteers, and we all live and work in this community, so every callout is personal. I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of coxswain and to continue serving the people who use our coastline, alongside such a dedicated crew.'
Enzo started as full time coxswain at Tynemouth on the 1 January 2026, undertaking his first callout on the 4 January, to two persons overboard from a fishing vessel.
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For more information please telephone James Waters, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07791886324 or [email protected] or Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (North and East) on 07824518641 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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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