21/10/2026
Today marks 10 years to the day since our much-loved lifeboat Garside left St Davids for the final time. 💙
Garside, a Tyne class lifeboat, was a cherished part of St Davids RNLI’s history, proudly serving our coastline from 1988 until her final launch on 21 October 2016.
Over her 28 years at the station, Garside launched 343 times to emergencies at sea, saving 79 lives and rescuing a further 35 people.
During those years, Garside and her dedicated volunteer crews carried out many remarkable rescues, including:
⚓ 1989 – FV Stephanie Jane: Rescuing four fishermen in winds gusting up to 70 knots, earning Coxswain/Mechanic David Chant an RNLI Bronze Medal for Gallantry.
⚓ 1999 – Tanker Blackfriars: Saving the 1,500-tonne tanker in Force 7 winds and rough seas, with Coxswain Malcolm Gray receiving the Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum.
⚓ 2004 – FV Yves Marie Amil: Rescuing three fishermen from their disabled and burning vessel in gale-force conditions, earning Coxswain Malcolm Gray MBE the Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum.
⚓ 2008 – FV Western Belle: Bringing the disabled trawler and her six crew safely home in five-metre seas after a challenging rescue lasting nearly 12 hours. Coxswain David John received the Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum.
Garside’s final launch from the old St Justinian’s lifeboat station was a poignant moment for generations of crew and the local community. It marked the end of an era, as our Tamar class lifeboat Norah Wortley took up her place in the new purpose-built slipway station.
Ten years on, we fondly remember Garside, the generations of volunteers who served aboard her, and the countless memories made over 28 years of saving lives at sea.
Though the lifeboats may change, the dedication and commitment of our volunteer crews remain the same. 💙
