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A side view of an E class lifeboat and its wake as it powers through the water on the River Thames with four crew members on board.

Your Launch a Memory Thames updates

Keep track of the new E class lifeboat for London’s River Thames
Two RNLI crew members in yellow dry suits and life vests prepare an orange inflatable rescue boat at a dock, with a bridge visible in the background.

Guidance on station visits and contact

As Wandsworth Riverside, Tower and Gravesend are working lifeboat stations, we kindly ask that you don’t contact the stations directly with any queries about Launch a Memory. Please read our FAQs, email [email protected] or call our Launch a Memory Team on 0300 300 9905 (from the UK) or 01 511 9871 (from Ireland) or +44 1202 336395 (from any other country). Thank you.

Portrait shot of Thames Volunteer Crew Member and RNLI Technician Stephanie Bigsby in crew kit with the River Thames in the background.

RNLI/Nathan Williams

Thank you for being part of our 25-year story

‘We’ll never forget why we’re here. Getting a Launch a Memory lifeboat in 2027 - our 25th anniversary year - is really special, and we’re honoured that you and your loved one are now part of our lifesaving legacy on the Thames too.’

Stephanie Bigsby, RNLI Technician and Thames Volunteer Crew Member

WHY WE’RE ON THE THAMES

Saving lives on the Thames

An E class lifeboat and its crew on the River Thames at Wandsworth Riverside Pier.

Wandsworth Lifeboat Station

Crew at the new Wandsworth Riverside Lifeboat Station (formerly Chiswick) cover a 12-mile stretch of the River Thames, from Richmond Lock to Battersea Power Station. The station was relocated to provide better facilities for our crew.
Tower Lifeboat Station on the River Thames with traffic on the river and Blackfriars Bridge and the iconic London cityscape in the background.

Tower Lifeboat Station

Based in the heart of London by Waterloo Bridge, Tower is the busiest of all the RNLI’s 238 lifeboat stations. The crew cover around 16 miles of the River Thames, from Battersea to Barking Creek.
Gravesend Lifeboat Station and its floating pontoon on the River Thames at sunset.

Gravesend Lifeboat Station

Gravesend lifeboat crew cover around 26 miles of the tidal River Thames, from the Thames Flood Barrier at Woolwich to Holehaven Creek at Canvey Island - a stretch that includes South London, Kent and Essex.
Teddington RNLI's D class lifeboat being launched down the slipway by tractor and trailer. Three crew members are in the lifeboat and one is driving the tractor.

Teddington Lifeboat Station

While the new E class won’t serve Teddington Lifeboat Station, the station remains a valued part of the River Thames and its history. The crew cover a 5-mile stretch, from Molesey Lock to Teddington Lock, with a smaller D class lifeboat.
A framed Launch a Memory certificate on a small round table with a vase of beautiful flowers and a lit candle.

Your certificate

When you Launch a Memory, you'll automatically receive a memorial certificate by email in the name of your loved one.

If you have added the name of someone still in your life to give to them as a gift, perhaps for a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion, you can request a gift version of the certificate by emailing [email protected].

If they'd like to receive email updates too, please ask them to get in touch.

Get the most from Launch a Memory

A navy blue and orange lifeboat is winched into the water at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre
Discover the E class
Learn about the fastest lifeboat in the RNLI fleet and how it was designed for London’s busy River Thames.
learn more
Collage of images from dedications
Leave a dedication
Many people have shared heart-warming stories about why they chose to include the name of someone they miss on the lifeboat - as well as celebrating their or their loved one's connection to the RNLI.
add a dedication
Three crew members standing on the slipway at Largs
Create a tribute fund for your loved one
With an RNLI Forever by the Sea tribute fund, you can share treasured memories and help to raise money for the RNLI.
create a tribute fund
Clifden’s Launch a Memory all-weather Shannon class lifeboat cruises through choppy seas under grey skies
Got a question?
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Launch a Memory, and how to contact us if you still need help.
Browse our FAQs