Newbiggin RNLI 175th Anniversary

The story of the lifeboat service at Newbiggin by the Sea begins in 1851 with a series of events and lives lost which ultimately led to the establishment of the lifeboat service. It was on 18 March 1851 when the local fishing fleet put to sea but hours later they were overcome by a storm so big that local boats couldn’t get home or were blown down the coast only to be smashed against the rocks. Lives were lost that day and some, within metres of the shore, were pulled back into the sea, into the turmoil and never seen again while their families looked on.

In the chaos, five local fishermen put their own lives on the line and headed out in a fishing boat, not designed for rescue, to try and save their fellow fishers. Their bravery was recognised by the RNLI and Silver Medals awarded. In addition, the Duke of Northumberland took it upon himself to provide several lifeboats for the north east coast as well as a new boathouse for Newbiggin, which the charity still operates from today.

And so was established Newbiggin lifeboat station, the start of a 175-year journey of lifesaving. Lifesaving by trained volunteers willing to respond 365-days-a-year, 24 hours a day and like the 1851 crews, not knowing what the next call for help would be for.

Over the 175-year timeline the station has had 13 lifeboats with technology, speed and safety, all developing a proud heritage which the volunteers look forward to continuing in the years to come.

The raising of funds for the lifeboat service is as important now as it was in the beginning with fundraisers continuing their innovative quest to raise funds for lifesaving.

The volunteer crews in the early days were fishermen but nowadays the volunteers come from all walks of life and their skill development is supported by regular training to meet the service needs.

The blessing to celebrate this special anniversary starts at 3.00pm on Sunday in the lifeboat station with refreshments served afterwards.

Newbiggin RNLI is based at Sandridge, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. The station was established in 1851 and currently operates an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Richard Wake Burdon. This year, 2026, is our 175th year of saving lives at sea, an anniversary where we reflect on the incredible dedication of our volunteers, past and present and the incredible support we receive from our community and beyond - all of this has made our 175 year journey possible.

If you would like to find out more about Newbiggin lifeboat station, its volunteers and its heritage then please look at the local website.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Richard Martin, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI North and East, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.