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The new Wells-next-the-Sea Shannon class lifeboat Duke of Edinburgh 13-46 motoring alongside a beach on a sunny day.

Your Launch a Memory Wells updates

Thank you for honouring your loved one by including their name on the Wells lifeboat. Welcome to your updates page, where you can keep track of the lifeboat’s progress.
Wells Lifeboat station

Photo: RNLI/Chris Taylor

1. Book your Lifeboat and Station Tour now!

Starting in January 2023, the Wells volunteer guides will be showing supporters around the lifeboat station on 50 minute tours. These are free but limited to 12 people at a time so must be booked in advance.

2. Welcome home Duke of Edinburgh!

Over the weekend of 8th October 2022, our Wells all-weather Shannon class arrived bathed in sunlight to an emotional welcome from volunteers and the local Wells community after a week-long voyage from our All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole. It was a poignant day, as this special lifeboat carries the names of nearly 15,000 loved ones who will be celebrated and remembered every time the crew heads out to save lives at sea. Watch the video to see the arrival of the lifeboat.

3. Getting up close with the lifeboat

On the 20th - 24th August 2022 we had the privilege of welcoming you to come to see the Wells lifeboat at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole. This was a very special event and we were honoured to meet many of you and hear the stories you shared of your loved ones.

For those unable to attend, we recorded a short video of the event which is available to watch now. Launch a Memory is a very special campaign, with extra special supporters and we look forward to your lifeboat arriving on station later this year.

The Wells’ lifeboat has been partly funded by the local community, by several legacies to the RNLI’s general funds as well as our corporate partner The Lifeboat Fund. Overall, the campaign raised an incredible £1,082,701.53 including gift aid!

Wells commemorative mug and pin badges

4. Sold out: Wells retail range

Unfortunately, all products in our Launch a Memory Wells retail range are now sold out and will not be restocked. But don’t worry, you can stay close to the lifeboat and remember your loved one in so many other meaningful ways, from leaving them a dedication to purchasing a special Wells photo print

Image of Wells lifeboat on the water with two crew members on board

Staying safe at Wells Beach

In recent years, around half the people rescued by the lifeboat crew at Wells were beach visitors cut off by the tide.

That’s why it’s so important that you know how to stay safe, which includes checking the weather forecast and tide times before you visit, and understanding the dangers of the tides – so you don’t get caught out.

Get the most from Launch a Memory

An infographic showing a close up on individual names on the decal of teh Wells lifeboat.
Find your loved one's name

Use our online tool to locate the precise location of your loved one's name on the letters and numbers of Wells' lifeboat.


Contact us at [email protected] if you require assistance.

Start search
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
3 male RNLI crew members stand next to a body of water
Create a Tribute fund for your loved one
Forever by the Sea is an online space for you to share treasured stories and photos of your loved one with family and friends. If you want to, you can also use it to help raise funds for the RNLI in their memory.
Share your memories and raise funds
Legacy lifeboat decal application RNLI
Photo prints and wall art
You can now purchase a lifesaving printed keepsake to commemorate the special person you've remembered on the Wells Shannon class lifeboat.

Design-wise, you can choose the individual letter or number that your loved one's name is in or the full lifeboat decal.
Browse the Wells prints