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Skegness Lifeboat Station

(Redirected from Gibraltar Point Lifeboat Station)

Skegness Lifeboat Station is located at Tower Esplanade, in the town of Skegness, on the east coast of England, south of the Humber Estuary and north of The Wash, in the county of Lincolnshire.[1]

Skegness Lifeboat Station
Skegness Lifeboat Station
Skegness Lifeboat Station is located in Lincolnshire
Skegness Lifeboat Station
Skegness, Lincolnshire
Former namesGibraltar Point Lifeboat Station
General information
TypeRNLI Lifeboat Station
AddressTower Esplanade
Town or citySkegness, Lincolnshire, PE25 3HH
CountryEngland
Coordinates53°08′30″N 0°20′48″E / 53.14176°N 0.34673°E / 53.14176; 0.34673
Opened1825
Owner Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Website
Skegness RNLI Lifeboat Station

A station was first opened at Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire in 1825, by the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck (RNIPLS). The station was moved to Skegness just five years later in 1830.[2]

The station currently operates an All-weather Shannon-class lifeboat, 13-17 Joel and April Grunnill (ON 1324), on station since 2017, and a D-class (IB1) Inshore lifeboat, The Holland Family (D-842), on station since 2019.[2]

History

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In 1825, just one year after its founding by Sir William Hillary Bt., the RNIPLS decided to establish a lifeboat station at Gibraltar Point in Lincolnshire. This stretch of the British coastline has many shoals and constantly changing sandbanks, many of which lie between the town and the East Dudgeon Lightship.[3] A boathouse was constructed, and a 24-foot non-self-righting Norfolk and Suffolk-class lifeboat was provided, built by William Plenty of Newbury, Berkshire, at a cost of £130.[4]

In 1827, the management of the station was passed to the newly created Lincolnshire Coast Shipwreck Association, which was founded on 31 July.[5]

On 20 January 1830, the sloop Thomas and Mary of Wells-next-the-Sea ran aground on the Skegness Middle Sand. Some difficulty was encountered launching the Gibraltar Point lifeboat into the rough conditions, not helped by a broken carriage wheel. Two crewmen aboard the Thomas and Mary were lost, but the rest were rescued by the lifeboat.[6]

Following the wreck of the Thomas and Mary in 1830, it was decided to relocate the lifeboat to Skegness. The lifeboat station at Gibraltar Point was closed, and the boathouse was dismantled. A new station was created at Skegness, just 3 mi (5 km) to the north, with the boathouse being reconstructed among the sand dunes, at a location now called Lifeboat Avenue. The cost of removing the boathouse was £28.00[4]

On 18 October 1854, the lifeboat crew launched to assist the stricken brig Atlanta, which had been driven onto the shore in a gale, three miles north of Skegness. The Skegness lifeboat had to be drawn to the beach from her station by six horses. All aboard the Atlanta were rescued. Coxswain Samuel Moody was awarded his second RNLI Silver Medal for the rescue.[7]

By 1863, the lifeboats of the LCSA, Donna Nook, Theddlethorpe, Sutton, and Skegness, were all becoming worn out, and in need of replacement. Larger self-righting lifeboats were now available, but all locations would then need a bigger boathouse, all beyond the finances of the LCSA. At a meeting of Rev. J. Arlington of the LCSA, and Capt. John Ward, RNLI Inspector of Lifeboats, it was agreed that, effective from January 1864, the responsibility and replacement of the four lifeboats and boathouses would be undertaken by the RNLI. The total cost was £2,054-15-9d, with £600 coming from the LCSA. Skegness would receive a 30-foot (8-oared) self-righting 'pulling and sailing' (P&S) lifeboat, one with oars and sails, which would be named Herbert Ingram. A new boathouse was constructed on South Parade, close to the clock tower.[4]

On 5 December 1875, the lifeboat Herbert Ingram launched at 6:00am to the aid of the Colchester barge Star, which had been driven aground in a gale. The lifeboat took twenty minutes to reach the vessel. Two crewmen were taken off, but the Master fell into the water between the two boats. Two lifeboat crewmen went into the rough water with a line and held on to the Master whilst the lifeboat was rowed to shore. For their bravery in this rescue both lifeboat crewmen were awarded RNLI silver medals.[8]

In 1882, William Everington retired from his position of Honorary Secretary, which he held since the takeover by the RNLI. He was succeeded by Charles Fred Grantham, aged just 22, who would hold the position for the next 40 years.[4]

A new lifeboat was placed at Skegness in 1888, a 37-foot lifeboat named Ann, John and Mary (ON 203), funded from the legacy of Mrs Ann Ball of London. In 1892, a new boathouse was constructed on the site of the old boathouse at South Parade.This boathouse had access doors for the lifeboat at either end of the building. There was also a watch room constructed on the first floor. This station was in use until 1990 when it was sold to a private buyer.[2][4]

Matthew Grunnill would be appointed Coxswain of Skegness lifeboat in 1908. He had previously served at Chapel Lifeboat Station, first as crew, and then, following the retirement of his father Edward Grunnill, as Coxswain, until the stations closure in 1898.[9]

On 9 November 1912, the Norwegian brig Azha suffered heavy storm damage off the Humber estuary. Waterlogged and helpless, she drifted south for four days. Her crew were close to death when she was spotted, having run aground on the Skegness Middle Sand. The Samuel Lewis (ON 554), the station's last pulling and sailing lifeboat, was launched to assist. Despite the severe weather, the lifeboat managed to get alongside the Azha and take off her crew. The brig was breaking up and was abandoned. The Coxswain and Second Coxswain were awarded silver medals and given written thanks by King Haakon VII of Norway.[3]

Samuel Lewis was replaced in 1932 by the Anne Allen (ON 760). This 35-foot 6in non-self-righting (single engine) Liverpool-class lifeboat was the first motor-powered lifeboat at Skegness. The placement of motor lifeboats at Humber, Wells-next-the-Sea and Skegness, brought about the closure of other east coast lifeboat stations, such as Donna Nook and Hunstanton.[2]

The RNLI placed an Inshore lifeboat (ILB) at Skegness in May 1964, a D-class (RFD PB16) (D-15). The ILB was kept in a small house close to the main beach until 1990.[2]

In 1990, it was decided that the cover for this area of the Lincolnshire coast would be greatly improved with the placing of a Mersey-class All-weather lifeboat at Skegness. A new station was constructed on the Tower Esplanade, the first in the British Isles built especially for a Mersey-class lifeboat. The Inshore lifeboat was also housed within the same building, which also has improved crew and equipment facilities, and a souvenir shop to help with branch fundraising.[10]

On 20 May 2016, the Skegness D-class (IB1) Inshore lifeboat, RNLB Peterborough Beer Festival IV (D-739) was taking part in a search for a missing person, when a fire started on board, which spread rapidly. After issuing a mayday, the crew abandoned the vessel, swimming 200 yd (180 m) to shore, while the lifeboat sank. The RNLI started recovery operations, but the damage was severe.[11][12]

In May 2017, Shannon-class lifeboat 13-17 Joel and April Grunnill (ON 1324) officially replaced the Mersey-class lifeboat Lincolnshire Poacher. The new lifeboat cost £2.2 million. She was launched at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre at Poole on 9 September 2016, delivered to Skegness on 28 January 2017, and officially named on 27 May 2017. Funding came from the legacy of Joel Grunnill, and a donation from his cousin April Grunnill, both of whom had been volunteers with the station.[13]

In 2019, D-class (IB1) lifeboat The Holland Family (D-842) was donated by Robert Holland, in honour of his parents and wider family, who have been long-term volunteers at the station.[14]

Notable rescues

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On 27 December 1965, the BP jackup oil rig Sea Gem collapsed, approximately 47 miles north-west off the Norfolk town of Cromer. The Skegness Oakley-class lifeboat Charles Fred Grantham (ON 977), along with lifeboats from Humber, Wells-next-the-Sea and Cromer, was launched the following day to search for the 32 crew. The search lasted 14 hours, in high seas, freezing conditions, and gale-force winds. 19 of the Sea Gem crew were rescued, five confirmed deceased, and eight were never recovered. The RNLI sent the station a letter of appreciation for their part in the search.[4][10][15]

Station honours

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The following are awards made at Skegness[16][17]

Thomas Atkins, Commissioned Boatman, H.M. Coastguard - 1850
Samuel Moody, Coxswain - 1851
Samuel Moody, Coxswain - 1854 (Second-Service Clasp)
George Chesnutt, crew member - 1876
Samuel (Skipper Sam) Moody, crew member - 1876
  • Silver Medal, awarded by the King of Norway
Matthew Grunnill, Coxswain - 1912
Montague Grunnill, Second Coxswain - 1912
  • The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum
Paul Martin, Coxswain - 1998
  • A Framed Letter of Thanks signed by the Chairman of the Institution
John Irving, Coxswain - 2002
  • Silver Medal of the National Canine Defence League
W Perrin, Coxswain - 1954
Joel Merrien Grunnill, Chairman, Lifeboat Management Group - 2008[18]
Ray Chapman - 2016[19][20]
Doreen April Grunnill - 2016[21][22]

Roll of Honour

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In memory of those lost whilst serving Skegness lifeboat.[4]

  • Died when he was run over by the lifeboat carriage wheel after exercise, 28 April 1874[4]
Matthew Hildred (17)

Skegness lifeboats and tractors

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Gibraltar Point

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ON[a] Name In service[23] Class Comments
Pre-106 Unnamed 1825−1830 24ft Norfolk and Suffolk [Note 1]

Skegness - All-weather lifeboats

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ON[a] Op. No.[b] Name In service[23] Class Comments
Pre-106 − Unnamed 1830−1864 24ft Norfolk and Suffolk
Pre-412 − Herbert Ingram 1864−1874 30-foot Self-Righting (P&S) [Note 2]
Pre-453 − Herbert Ingram 1874−1888 33-foot Self-Righting (P&S) [Note 3]
203 − Ann, John and Mary 1888−1906 37-foot Self-Righting (P&S) [Note 4]
554 − Samuel Lewis 1906−1932 35-foot Liverpool (P&S) [Note 5]
760 − Anne Allen 1932−1953 Liverpool [Note 6]
833 − The Cuttle 1953−1964 Liverpool [Note 7]
977 37-10 Charles Fred Grantham 1964−1990 37ft Oakley
1166 12-008 Lincolnshire Poacher 1990−2017 Mersey
1324 13-17 Joel and April Grunnill 2017– Shannon [24]
Pre ON numbers are unofficial numbers used by the Lifeboat Enthusiast Society to reference early lifeboats not included on the official RNLI list.

Skegness - Inshore lifeboats

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Op. No.[b] Name In service[2] Class Comments
D-15 Unnamed 1965 D-class (RFD PB16)
D-58 Unnamed 1965−1972 D-class (RFD PB16)
D-212 Unnamed 1973−1987 D-class (RFD PB16)
D-326 Michel Phillipe 1987−1994 D-class (EA16)
D-460 Leicester Fox 1994−2002 D-class (EA16)
D-573 Leicester Fox II 2002−2008 D-class (EA16)
D-538 Tom Broom 2009−2010 D-class (EA16)
D-739 Peterborough Beer Festival IV 2010−2016 D-class (IB1) Destroyed by fire
20 May 2016
D-792 Marie Theresa Bertha 2016–2019 D-class (IB1)
D-842 The Holland Family 2019– D-class (IB1)

Launch and Recovery Tractors

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Op. No.[b] Reg. No. Type In service[2] Comments
T15 FU 4892 Clayton 1925–1932
T16 YW 3377 Clayton 1932–1937
T27 DGP 909 Case L 1937–1955
T43 JXR 934 Case LA 1955–1964
T75 AYP 704B Case 1000D 1964–1966
T79 DLB 481C Case 1000D 1966–1974
T73 500 GYR Case 1000D 1974–1977
T74 136 HLC Case 1000D 1977–1979
T89 WEL 302S Talus MBC Case 1150B 1979–1984
T93 A496 CUX Talus MB-H Crawler 1984–1995
T117 L784 JNT Talus MB-H Crawler 1995–2005
T114 JI26 WUJ Talus MB-H Crawler 2005–2017
SC-T11 HJ16 JVU SLARS (Supacat) 2016– Named Fred Henley
  1. ^ a b ON is the RNLI's Official Number of the boat.
  2. ^ a b c Op. No. is the RNLI's Operational Number of the boat carried on the hull.

         

Neighbouring stations

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See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ 24-foot x 7-foot (8-Oared) non-self-righting Norfolk & Suffolk class lifeboat, built by William Plenty of Newbury, Berkshire, costing £130.
  2. ^ 30-foot (8-Oared) self-righting (P&S) lifeboat.
  3. ^ 33-foot (10-Oared) self-righting (P&S) lifeboat.
  4. ^ 37-foot (12-Oared) self-righting (P&S) lifeboat.
  5. ^ 35-foot (12-Oared) non-self-righting (P&S) lifeboat.
  6. ^ 35-foot 6in non-self-righting (single engine) Liverpool-class lifeboat.
  7. ^ 35-foot 6in non-self-righting (single engine) Liverpool-class lifeboat.

References

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  1. ^ OS Explorer map: Skegness, Alford & Spilsby: (1:25 000): ISBN 0319238229
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Leonard, Richie; Denton, Tony (2024). Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2024. Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society. pp. 4–132.
  3. ^ a b Skegness Lifeboats – An illustrated History. Author: Leach, Nicholas. Publisher:Landmark Publishing Ltd. Year Published:2008. ISBN 978-1-84306-423-7
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Major, B. S. (1977). A Century and a Half of Skegness Lifeboats. C. H. Major & Co Ltd. pp. 1–74.
  5. ^ "The Lincolnshire Coast Shipwreck Association". The Lifeboat. XX (226): 275–278. 1 November 1907. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  6. ^ "Ship News". The Times. No. 14137. London. 30 January 1830. col F, p. 5.
  7. ^ Lifeboat Gallantry – RNLI Medals and how they were won. Author:Cox, Barry. Publisher:Spink & Son Ltd and the RNLI. Work: Page 109, MOODY, Samuel. ISBN 0-907605-89-3
  8. ^ Lifeboat Gallantry – RNLI Medals and how they were won. Author:Cox, Barry. Publisher:Spink & Son Ltd and the RNLI. Work: Page 160, MOODY, Samuel. CHESNUTT, George. ISBN 0-907605-89-3
  9. ^ Davies, Joan. "Skegness Lifeboat Station 1825 to 1982". RNLI. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  10. ^ a b For Those In Peril – The Lifeboat Service of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, Station by Station. Author: Leach, Nicholas. Publisher: Silver Link Publishing Ltd, First Issue 1999. Work:Part 1, East Coast of England – Berwick to Hastings, Page 42, Skegness. ISBN 1 85794 129 2
  11. ^ "Skegness lifeboat crew forced to swim after boat sinks". BBC News. 20 May 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  12. ^ "Crew flee Skegness Inshore Lifeboat after fire starts onboard". Skegness Standard. 20 May 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
  13. ^ "New Lifeboat For Skegness". ITV news. 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
  14. ^ "Grantham family funeral director donates lifeboat to RNLI Skegness". Grantham Journal. 1 December 2019. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  15. ^ Lifeboats of the Humber – Two centuries of gallantry. Author: Leach, Nicholas. Publisher:Amberley Publishing, first edition 2010. Work: Chapter 8, The last Watson Lifeboat, page72. ISBN 978 1 84868 875 9
  16. ^ "Skegness Station history". RNLI. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  17. ^ Cox, Barry (1998). Lifeboat Gallantry. Spink & Son Ltd. ISBN 0-907605-89-3.
  18. ^ "Members of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire". The London Gazette. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  19. ^ "Ordinary Members of the Civil Division of the said Most Excellent Order of the British Empire". The Gazette. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  20. ^ "Life-saving Skegness RNLI coxswain gets MBE". BBC. 30 December 2015. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  21. ^ "British Empire Medal (Civil Division)". The Gazette. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  22. ^ "Long Standing RNLI Volunteer recognised with British Empire Medal". RNLI. 11 June 2016. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  23. ^ a b Leonard, Richie; Denton, Tony (2021). Lifeboat Enthusiasts Handbook 2021. Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society. pp. 2–120.
  24. ^ "Family pay for new £1.5m lifeboat in Skegness, Lincolnshire". BBC. 26 April 2012. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
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