Sponsors
National Historic Ships UK acknowledges the financial support of its sponsors
Registration number
2286
Status
Registered
a12admin
Details
Function
Service Vessel
Subfunction
Lifeboat
Location
Seaham
Vessel type
Liverpool Class Lifeboat
Current use
Ongoing conservation
Available to hire
No
Available for excursions
No
Web address
http://www.eastdurhamheritagegroup.co.uk/
Construction
Builder
Groves & Gutteridge Ltd, Cowes
Built in
1949
Hull material
Wood
Rig
None
Number of decks
1
Propulsion
Motor
Number of engines
1
Primary engine type
Diesel
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Breadth: Beam
10.80 feet
(3.29m)
Depth
3.00 feet
(0.92m)
Length: Overall
35.60 feet
(10.86m)
History
Built in 1949 by Groves & Gutteridge of Cowes, Isle of Wight, GEORGE ELMY is a lifeboat of timber construction. She was in service with the RNLI from 1949 to 1972 when she was decommissioned. As the Seaham lifeboat, she was involved in a tragic accident in 1962 when five crew and four fishermen were lost.
She underwent restoration on the river Tyne to be used as a living artefact for school children and visitors. In March 2013 it was announced that the historic lifeboat is set to sail to her home port of Seaham for the first time in 50 years, following completion of the project. The campaign to restore the Liverpool-class historic vessel secured £91,500 in donations and a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Since the completion of the project George Elmy has been on display at the East Durham Heritage & Lifeboat Centre within Seaham Harbour Marina.
Key dates
-
1949
Built by Groves and Gutteridge of Cowes on the Isle of Wight as a Lifeboat
-
1950
She was the Lifeboat at Seaham Harbour where she rescued 20 people in 12 years
-
1962
She capsized after rescuing a fishing coble and only one survived
-
1962-1972
She served as a Relief Vessel
-
2009
Purchased by present owner
-
2013
After restoration at Fred Crowell’s Boatyard, she sailed to Seaham
-
2017
She is undergoing further restoration at Seaham where she will be used as a living artifact for visitors
Grants
-
2010/11
The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded £50,000 for learning opportunities
Own this vessel?
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
