Howard 'Howie' Owen has hung up his lifejacket for the final time as he stepped down as Hoylake RNLI's Coxswain on Thursday 12 November, bringing to a close 32 years of lifesaving service with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Howie’s lifesaving service began as a volunteer at West Kirby RNLI lifeboat station in March 1994, launching on his first ever rescue on the Wirral station’s D class inshore lifeboat just one month later.
He served for over 20 years at West Kirby RNLI including as a Helm, later joining the all-weather lifeboat crew at Hoylake in 2007 and volunteering at both stations until 2014.
Continuing his service at Hoylake RNLI, he became a Deputy Second Coxswain on the station’s all-weather lifeboat in 2014, alongside roles as a Casualty Carer, Launch Vehicle Driver and Lifeboat Training Coordinator. On the Inshore Rescue Hovercraft, he qualified as a pilot before becoming a commander in 2018.
Howie was appointed as the station’s full-time Coxswain Mechanic in June 2021 and led the lifeboat station for over five years, commanding Hoylake RNLI’s Shannon class lifeboat
Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood and hovercraft Hurley Spirit on many different rescues to people and vessels in distress.
Over more than three decades of service with the RNLI, Howie launched on both West Kirby and Hoylake Lifeboats over 360 times, including in 90 incidents that saw the crews save seven lives and assist 210 people.
The rescue of a walker from mud on a dangerous stretch of the Sefton coast in 2023 featured on the BBC Two series
Saving Lives at Sea, with Howie appearing alongside fellow crew members to share their experiences of the challenging incident.
Howie played a key role in the RNLI’s 200th anniversary celebrations in 2024 by commanding Hoylake RNLI lifeboat during a special lifeboat flotilla on the River Mersey. He was also at the helm during the local leg of the RNLI bicentenary
Coast To Cobbles celebrations, which saw a specially designed time capsule travel by lifeboat down the coast from Cumbria to Merseyside and along the Manchester Ship Canal to Salford.
In 2024, he attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to mark the RNLI bicentenary and in recognition of 30 years of service.
Howie was commended by the RNLI Wales, West & Isle of Man Region as its first ever Employee of the Month in 2025. The accolade recognised his crucial support in helping to launch a new charitable partnership between the RNLI and a nationwide water delivery and liquid waste disposal business.
Before becoming Coxswain, Howie’s voluntary commitment to the RNLI came alongside a long career in the maritime sector. He worked as a Boating Officer with the British Antarctic Survey at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica and King Edward Point Research Station in South Georgia.
Howie later joined the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, which provides logistical and operational support to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. He also worked on pilot boats operating out of the River Mersey.
Reflecting on his service, Howie said:
‘When I joined West Kirby RNLI as a volunteer in 1994, I never imagined it would lead to over 32 years of service with the charity. It’s been a privilege to serve alongside so many dedicated volunteers and staff, both at West Kirby and Hoylake RNLI, and to play a part in saving lives at sea.’
‘I've been fortunate to experience some incredible moments during my time with the RNLI, from memorable rescues and training to taking part in the bicentenary celebrations. It’s hard to imagine not responding to the pager after so many years, but I leave with fantastic memories, lifelong friendships and confidence that our crew will continue the station’s lifesaving work.‘
Peter Sparkes, RNLI Chief Executive, paid tribute to Howie saying:
‘I would like to thank you for everything you have done for the RNLI, for giving your skills, time and commitment. I would also like to pass on my sincere thanks to your family and friends who have supported you throughout. You should feel immensely proud of everything you have achieved to help save lives at sea, and I send you my very best wishes for the future.’
Hoylake RNLI’s lifesaving 24/7 search and rescue service will continue under the leadership of the lifeboat station’s operations team.
Notes to editors
Founded in 1803, Hoylake Lifeboat Station is one of the oldest RNLI lifeboat stations in the UK.
The all-weather Shannon class lifeboat Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood has been on service at Hoylake since 2014. The lifeboat covers the approaches to Liverpool, the Dee Estuary and the Irish Sea and launches at all states of weather and tide to people and vessels in distress.
The Inshore Rescue Hovercraft Hurley Spirit has also been stationed at Hoylake since 2016 and can reach areas inaccessible to conventional lifeboats, including the mud flats of the Dee Estuary, the Wirral coast and the River Mersey.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Dan Whiteley, Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799 851 316 or [email protected]
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]
Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
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