16/06/2026
Recently, our Shannon class lifeboat had the privilege of coming alongside a true maritime legend during an exercise in the Bristol Channel.
The vessel was the Waverley – the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer and a genuine piece of British maritime history.
This year marks 80 years since Waverley was launched on 2 October 1946. Built in the aftermath of the Second World War, she entered service in 1947 and was constructed to replace an earlier vessel of the same name that was lost during the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.
After a long career carrying passengers around Scotland, Waverley reached the end of her working life in 1974. Rather than being scrapped, she was famously purchased for just £1 and preserved for future generations.
Today, she continues to sail around the UK, including regular visits to the Bristol Channel, giving people the chance to experience a unique part of our maritime heritage.
It was fantastic to see two iconic vessels from different eras side by side on the water – one preserving the past and one ready to answer the call for help whenever it comes.
A big thank you to Danny Williams for capturing our Shannon from on board the Waverley and Jen, one of our volunteer crew, for capturing the moment from the Shannon! It looks a lot bouncier from the Shannon that’s for sure!
