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.
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Your Launch a Memory Wells updates
Welcome to your updates page, where you can keep track of the Wells lifeboat.
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Planning to visit Wells Lifeboat Station?
Please remember that this is a working lifeboat station and there will be times when the lifeboat is not available to view.
We do offer pre-booked tours of the lifeboat and station, subject to availability. These are very popular and fill up quickly, so please book online.
There are also full-sized replicas of the Launch a Memory graphics outside the lifeboat station, which are part of a seating area. Please feel free to view these and use the QR code to help you find your loved one’s name.
A special reminder
Just before Christmas, the RNLI volunteers at Wells received two special visitors who reminded them of the impact our supporters make. Samantha Ozdemir and her 13-year-old son, Kaan, dropped by to thank the volunteers who rescued Kaan last summer. An incoming tide had forced Kaan to seek safety on a sandbank, but it was rapidly disappearing. Anstruther lifeboat volunteers managed to rescue the teenager, but the sandbank was almost entirely submerged when they arrived on scene.
You and your loved one are part of One Crew
Last year, the station that’s home to your Launch a Memory lifeboat Duke of Edinburgh welcomed people from across the world. Visitors explored the state-of-the-art lifeboat station and met the many volunteers who are part of One Crew. That crew includes you and your loved one. Your support is humbling.In that same spirit of collaboration, Wells RNLI works closely with other emergency and rescue organisations – such as Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service – to ensure safety and preparedness across the whole region.
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.
Previous updates
read more about the rescue
Cruising into trouble
Your Launch a Memory lifeboat was called into action when two people onboard a cruiser called in a distress call. With no steering and losing propulsion, the vessel was heading into challenging seas with the crew onboard having little control.
With the aid of a windfarm support vessel, the lifeboat crew onboard your lifeboat secured a towline to the cruiser and towed to safer waters. There, the towline was passed to Caister’s independent lifeboat to continue the journey to safety.
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read more of Sam's story
A painted stone, a powerful story
When volunteers at Wells Lifeboat Station found a small hand-painted pebble inside their shop, they discovered part of a powerful story that sums up just how special Launch a Memory lifeboats are to those who add their loved ones’ names.
The stone was painted by Rachel Liew, mother of Sam whose name is on your Launch a Memory lifeboat at Wells. Sam tragically passed away in 2021 at just 5-years-old. Since then, his parents have been painting stones as tribute to Sam and hiding them around the world.
‘He thought RNLI volunteers were real superheroes, and it turns out he was one himself,’ says Rachel. ‘Knowing his name is on the lifeboat means so much.’
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Honoured by The King
Wells RNLI’s very own Sheila Warner was among five RNLI volunteers recognised in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours. Sheila has dedicated more than 60 years to saving lives at sea and to other causes she believes in. As Vice Chair and a founding member of the Wells RNLI Lifeboat Guild, Sheila helps to raise vital funds for the station. She also takes great pride in preserving the station’s lifesaving story by cataloguing its historic artefacts and by sharing this story with the visitors she welcomes. Be sure to congratulate Sheila when you visit!
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read more about this miraculous rescue
Olive the dog brought back to life
A winter walk along the beach almost ended in tragedy when Olive, an Airedale terrier, and her family got cut off by the tide. While the rest of the family managed to wade to safety, Olive got into trouble in the water.
When Wells RNLI’s inshore lifeboat crew arrived, Olive was limp, cold and lifeless. So Nurse and Crew Member Simon Parkes treated Olive in the only way he knew how – with CPR. ‘I am used to resuscitating humans but never a dog,’ says Simon. ‘It was a huge relief when Olive started slowly breathing.’
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read more about the presentation ceremony
The King's Coronation Medal
Wells RNLI volunteers were very proud to be awarded The King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of their lifesaving service in the community.
The medals were awarded to over 400,000 people, including those who contributed to the coronation and also long-serving frontline emergency services workers, members of the armed forces and prison staff.
The tradition of awarding Coronation Medals dates back to 1603 and King James I.
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Wells keepsakes
Wells keepsakes
The Launch a Memory Wells retail range is now sold out. But don’t worry, you can still commemorate your loved one by purchasing a special lifesaving keepsake. Choose from a collection of beautiful wall art and photo gifts featuring the Wells lifeboat, designed to help you remember your loved one in the most meaningful way.
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Get the most from Launch a Memory
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.
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
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
An RNLI Forever by the Sea tribute fund 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