90-year-old lifesaver

90 years ago, on February 26, 1931, the RNLI took charge of new lifeboat which is still surviving after a heroic career and a longer period of retirement. Nearing the conclusion of its third major rebuild, the boat’s birthday is due to be celebrated by the publication of its ‘nautobiography’.

However, just as the book was being prepared for publication, the boat was seriously vandalized while lying afloat at a private quayside mooring. The current lockdown restrictions have limited the opportunities for assessment of the damage and its future repair. Nevertheless, the book is being published to celebrate the boat’s history and help finance its life support.

This is the life story of a remarkable boat which served the RNLI for 40 years before retiring to a new life as a pleasure cruiser. The 45ft 6in Watson Cabin class boat W&S (ON736) was built by craftsmen for use by craftsmen. It spent its first three decades at Penlee in Cornwall, responding to more than 100 shouts in the most extreme weather and including harrowing wartime conditions. It later spent a further 10 years in Scotland as part of the Reserve fleet, where it saved another six lives during its final service.

One of the RNLI’s longest serving lifeboats, it saved a total of 108 lives. This diary of the vessel’s long life is written by maritime journalist Graeme Ewens in collaboration with Elaine Trethowan (Bawden), Press Officer at Penlee lifeboat and Captain Rod Shaw, the current owner. Its 224 pages include more than 300 period and contemporary photographs and artworks. The cover price of the 224-page thread-sewn paperback will be £15, although advance orders and bulk purchases will be available at £12 plus p&p.

“Before we order the print run, we would appreciate expressions of interest for advance orders, so as we do not run short of demand”, Ewens said. Potential buyers are asked to contact: lifeofaboaton736@gmail.com