Lifeboats Collection

Crew of the Barry lifeboat Arthur and Blanche Harris Frederick Batten and Eric Fry (right) at the tiller on board the boat. Standing left is Mr. Emlyn Davies. 14th March 1970

SS Asturias, ocean liner, built in 1926, served during the Second World War, and was used as the Titanic in the 1957 film, A Night to Remember. Date: late 1940s

The former Longhope lifeboat T. G. B ON962, seen here leaving Littlehampton
The former Longhope lifeboat T.G.B ON962, seen here leaving Littlehampton, Sussexs after being repaired follow the capsizing of the vessel

Crewmen of the Fishguard and Goodwick Lifeboat: left to right: Ken Bean, Ieuan Bateman, Noel Murrow, Roy Williams, Jack Jenkins, Glyn Bateman, Richard Fowles, George Bateman and Byron Nichols

Coveracks new lifeboat, 1954
Coveracks new lifeboat, William Taylor of Oldham, being hauled up the slipway on 24th July 1954. It cost 25, 000 to build. Cornwall. Date: 1954

RMS Olympic, cruise ship of the White Star Line, WW1
RMS Olympic, cruise ship of the White Star Line, seen here from a seaplane whilst on war service during WW1. Date: 1914-1918

Lifeboat house, Mullion Cove (Porth Mellin), Mullion, Cornwall. Around 1900
View of the Lifeboat house in about 1900. There is a boat next to the the lifeboat house. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution stationed a lifeboat at Mullion Cove in 1867

John McDermott, coxswain of the Hoylake lifeboat with crew members Richard Martindale, Alan Tolley. Steve Armitage and Jeff Kernighan. 4th October 1990

The Barry lifeboat RNLB Rachel and Mary Evans at Barry docks. Circa 1961

Launch of the City of Dublin Life-Boat at the Custom-House Quay, Dublin (engraving)
1610912 Launch of the City of Dublin Life-Boat at the Custom-House Quay, Dublin (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Tenbys new 47 foot long Tyne Class lifeboat, the RFA Sir Galahad, arrives at the Tenby RNLI station yesterday. 14th July 1986

Keeping a lookout during exercises of the Barry lifeboat in the Bristol Channel is crew member Mr. Emlyn Davies. 14th May 1970

Carving a wake in the winter grey waters of the Bristol Channel, the Barry lifeboat Arthur and Blanche Harris sets out on an exercise. 13th March 1970

The new lifeboat Augustus and Laura is named by Lady Frances Osborne at Newbiggin. 24th June 1939

The new motor lifeboat Robert and Marcella Beck in Plymouth before its naming ceremony in Plymouth, Devon. 3rd July 1927

Celebrating the 175th anniversary at the RNLI station, Atlantic college, St. Donats. Pictured here are students Richard Noyes, aged 18 of St

RAF lifeboats to the rescue
RAF motor boats rescuing a pilot who has crash landed at sea. The boats were built at the British Power Boats works at Southampton and with 100 h.p. engines, could travel at 26 miles per hour

A new lifeboat, the Will and Fanny Kirby, launched at Seaham Harbour to replace the George Elmy which capsized with the loss of eight men. 21st September 1963

The naming ceremony of the new Barry Dock lifeboat the Arthur and Blanche Harris, was performed on Saturday afternoon at Barry Docks by Lady Traherne, the wife of the Lord Lieutenant of Glamorgan

Survivors Of The Rms Titanic In One Of Her Collapsible Lifeboats, Just Before Being Picked Up By The Carpathia. Woman Are Sharing In The Rowing

Alvsborg Bridge, Gothenburg (Goteborg), Sweden
Alvsborg Bridge, suspension bridge over the Gota River, Gothenburg (Goteborg), Sweden. It was built in 1966. Date: circa 1960s

Coastguard Station and Promenade, Cromer, North Norfolk. Now the site of the wonderful RNLI Henry Blogg Museum and Rocket House Cafe (I recommend the dressed Cromer crab salad...). Date: circa 1905

Silhouetted against the waters of Moelfre Bay, Anglesey, Wales, Captain Evans watches from the lifeboat house as the crew practice a launch. 20th June 1969

Coxswain of the Barry Lifeboat Mr. Frank Tinsley watches the life line land on the rocks of the Barry shore after he had fired the rocket carrying the line set up a breeches buoy during an exercise

Tenby lifeboat crew, 1953

A race of six lifeboats at Mounts Bay, Penzance, Cornwall. Date: 1867

Greatheads Lifeboat 2
In a heavy sea, Greatheads lifeboat puts out to the aid of a vessel in distress : the helmsman stands aft, the look- out in the bows, the ten oarsmen row as best they can. Date: 1791

An engraving depicting the loss of the Royal Mail steamship 'Amazon' on her maiden voyage, 4th January 1852
5311055 An engraving depicting the loss of the Royal Mail steamship 'Amazon' on her maiden voyage, 4th January 1852

Coastwise: Hauled to Safety (b/w photo)
8671410 Coastwise: Hauled to Safety (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hauled to Safety)

Sea Adventure: The wreck of the "Indian Chief" (colour litho)
8668760 Sea Adventure: The wreck of the "Indian Chief" (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

The 'SS Germanic', 1850
3478493 The 'SS Germanic', 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting the 'SS Germanic' picking up members of the crew of the stricken ship)

Henry Greathead's design of a lifeboat, 1850
3331041 Henry Greathead's design of a lifeboat, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Henry Greathead's design of a lifeboat. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Henry Greathead's design of a lifeboat, 1850
3331039 Henry Greathead's design of a lifeboat, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Henry Greathead's design of a lifeboat. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

The lifeboat 'Quiver' at Margate Kent, 1850
3331036 The lifeboat 'Quiver' at Margate Kent, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving depicting the lifeboat 'Quiver' at Margate Kent being launched to go to help a ship in danger)

The crew of the Caister lifeboat rescuing a survivor from a fishing smack wrecked on the Barber Sand, 1850
3331031 The crew of the Caister lifeboat rescuing a survivor from a fishing smack wrecked on the Barber Sand, 1850; (add.info)

Lower the Lifeboat, 1850
3478533 Lower the Lifeboat, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration titled 'Lower the Lifeboat' depicting a man shouting during a raging storm. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

The launching of a lifeboat into the water, 1850
3331021 The launching of a lifeboat into the water, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving depicting the launching of a lifeboat into the water. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

The testing a self-righting lifeboat in the yard of the National Lifeboat Institution, 1850
3331018 The testing a self-righting lifeboat in the yard of the National Lifeboat Institution, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving depicting the testing a self-righting lifeboat in the yard of the National)

Wood & Roger's system for lowering a lifeboat from a moving ship, 1850
3330876 Wood & Roger's system for lowering a lifeboat from a moving ship, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving of a Wood & Roger's system for lowering a lifeboat from a moving ship)

A lifeboat capsizing because of difficulty of lowering from the boat, 1850
3330875 A lifeboat capsizing because of difficulty of lowering from the boat, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting a lifeboat capsizing because of difficulty of lowering from the boat)

The launching of a Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboat into the water, 1850
3331026 The launching of a Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboat into the water, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving depicting the launching of a lifeboat into the water)

The launching of a lifeboat into the water, 1850
3331015 The launching of a lifeboat into the water, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving depicting the launching of a lifeboat into the water. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

The crowds gathered to watch the launch of a lifeboat in Manchester, 1850
3331009 The crowds gathered to watch the launch of a lifeboat in Manchester, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving depicting the crowds gathered to watch the launch of a lifeboat in Manchester)

The lowering of a passenger into a lifeboat, 1850
3330872 The lowering of a passenger into a lifeboat, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration depicting the lowering of a passenger into a lifeboat. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

The Battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805, c.1836 (oil on canvas)
7337699 The Battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805, c.1836 (oil on canvas) by Chambers, George the Elder (1803-40); 73.7x120.7 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

The launching of a Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboat into the water, 1850
3331029 The launching of a Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboat into the water, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving depicting the launching of a lifeboat into the water)

A lifeboat returning home with men it has saved from a shipwreck, 1850
3331017 A lifeboat returning home with men it has saved from a shipwreck, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving depicting a lifeboat returning home with men it has saved from a shipwreck)

A modern steam lifeboat, 1850
3331007 A modern steam lifeboat, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving depicting a modern steam lifeboat, structed at Blackwall. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

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Lifeboats have played a vital role in maritime history, saving countless lives and providing hope amidst treacherous waters. From the majestic SS Asturias, an ocean liner that met its tragic fate during World War I, to the humble Longhope lifeboat T. G. B ON962 departing Littlehampton with unwavering determination, these vessels embody bravery and resilience. The Fishguard and Goodwick Lifeboat crewmen - Ken Bean and Ieuan Bateman - stand united, ready to face any challenge that comes their way. Similarly, the Barry lifeboat's Arthur and Blanche Harris Frederick Batten alongside Eric Fry exemplify selflessness as they embark on perilous missions. In 1954, Coverack welcomed its new lifeboat with open arms; a symbol of hope for those lost at sea. Meanwhile, the RMS Olympic of the White Star Line carried passengers through calm seas before being repurposed during World War I to aid in military efforts. The Tynemouth lifeboat Tynesider is carefully lifted into position - a testament to teamwork and precision. The Tynemouth Lifeboat Dinghy named Trevor Fryer stands as a reminder of dedication even in smaller vessels. During exercises in the Bristol Channel, members of the Barry lifeboat keep watch diligently against all odds. Their wake carves through winter grey waters as they navigate unpredictable currents. Tenby proudly introduces its new Tyne Class lifeboat RFA Sir Galahad – 47 feet long – ready to serve those in need along its shores. Celebrating their 175th anniversary at Atlantic College's RNLI station in St. Donats showcases how far these brave individuals have come since their inception and can more than just vessels; they represent humanity's unwavering spirit when faced with adversity on unforgiving seas. These snapshots capture moments where courage prevails over fear and remind us that heroes exist among us – dedicated souls who risk their lives to save others.