RNLI Stromness Lifeboat

25/06/2026

This is the view down the slip at the old Penlee Lifeboat Station, Mousehole, Cornwall. It is very steep at 1:4. It has not been used since RNLB Solomon Browne slid down in December 1981, in a bid to save eight crew and passengers aboard MV Union Star which was drifting on to rocks in a fierce gale. All eight crew of the lifeboat and eight on Union Star were lost. The coastguard helicopter winchman, powerless to help, said the lifeboat crew displayed the greatest bravery he had ever seen. Bev and I felt very privileged to be shown inside by the current coxswain of Penlee LIfeboat - Patch Harvey.

24/06/2026

I met some of these folk at Looe RNLI on Sunday, only to find they were to form this surprise guard of honour for crew mates - Amber and Alex - later in the day. The arch is formed from racing gig oars. Amber was back on duty today to sell us our tickets for the glass-bottomed boat trip. Thanks to Ian Foster (Looe Press Officer) for the photo.

21/06/2026

Here are the Atlantic 85 and D-Class lifeboats at Looe in the thick of the action as safety boats for the Looe Raft Race today, in support of RNLI. Huge crowds thronged every vantage, in glorious weather. Only one raft sank - about 3 metres after the start.

21/06/2026

21/06/2026

Your correspondent is on holiday in Looe, Cornwall. I visited the Looe RNLI station and saw their fantastic launching tractor. £500,000 at present day prices. Can go in the water up to the top of the logo. Low mileage. It bends in the middle.

14/06/2026

ON SALE NOW

13/06/2026

Stromness Lifeboat Calendar 2027 on sale NOW - from the lifeboat shop on the Pier Head.

08/06/2026

Many thanks to Leviathan International for their generous sponsorship of June in the 2026 calendar.

06/06/2026

A much photographed view of Violet Dorothy and Kathleen. Thanks to Erica from Kirkwall RNLI for this one. I love the blue gate and red shed. If anyone can get the shot with both in the sun I'd be pleased to see it.

05/06/2026

LIFEBOAT TRIVIA: John cleans and vacuums the inside of the lifeboat every Thursday, but why does he make a point of doing it at high tide? Answers in comments please.