Back in June, when we first visited the Isle of Wight, we arrived a little early and Bembridge Lifeboat Station was not open. As we were on the island to visit the Inshore Lifeboat Centre we took the opportunity to revisit Bembridge. This time we have made prior arrangements.
Bembridge have two boathouses and a shop. When we arrived the shop was open and so we bought a pin badge and chatted to the amazing volunteers. They told us that the All-Weather boat (ALB) was out on a shout. The boathouse next to the shop houses their inshore D-Class, Norman Harvey (D-778). The ALB is housed in an iconic pier boathouse with a slipway.
We headed along the short pier and were met by a couple of volunteers and a hive of activity. We were told that the boat was on its way back. After the initial disappointment of maybe not seeing the boat, we were now excited to witness our first slipway lifeboat recovery.
The boathouse contains a fantastic visitor centre depicting the history of the boats and rescues. This particular boathouse was completed in 2010 but there has been an RNLI station established at the town since 1867. The slipway and pier were constructed in 1922 to enable faster launches over the infamous Bembridge Ledge, a rocky outcrop extending metres offshore.
We spotted the ALB rapidly approaching and shore crew activity had increased as they readied themselves for the boats arrival. After watching and filming the efficient recovery and wash down of the boat we continued chatting to the visits volunteers about our challenge and were so grateful for the generous donation they made.
The Bembridge Lifeboat is a 16m Tamar Class. At the time of our visit we recognised a familiar name on the boat as this was the relief Tamar, Peter and Lesley-Jane Nicholson (16-01) whom we had first seen at Shoreham Lifeboat Station back in June. We discovered that the Bembridge boat, Alfred Albert Williams (16-17) was in Cowes for repair following some damage to the propellers. It was due back on station following sea trials later that week.
Our prior arrangement was to meet the Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM), John. He was clearly very busy following the launch but managed to say a quick hello before rushing off to complete the paperwork. We were however able to meet Ron who is the Launch Authority. Ron invited us for a tour of the boat with permission from the Coxwain. He gave us a fascinating tour and we chatted for ages about the station, the boats and his role. A Launch Authority (LA) is the first contact that the Coastguard make following an emergency call. They make the decision to launch whilst gathering as much information about the emergency and relaying this to the crew. It is a huge responsibility and it was very clear from Ron what the emotional impact this role has. It was a fascinating discussion. A huge thank you to Ron for the generous donation.
Following our tour of the Tamar we headed back with Ron to the onshore boathouse where we met up with John to look at their D-Class. It was an incredible visit to Bembridge and we are thankful to all of those that made it possible especially during a busy launch and recovery.
I just came across your super page and blog today guys. Such a great project and very nicely produced. I was wondering about the props as she came astern to the ramp actually. I assume there a protection system in place but I wonder how it works. Thanks for your excellent report. Safe journey!