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DUNLEARY was the first motor lifeboat provided by the civil service fund and has an excellent wartime rescue history. She was built in 1919 and was named by the Countess of Fingall in honour of her launching place. She remained stationed in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland with the ON658, until 1939 and made a total of 81 launches, saving 85 lives. Her war service was at Lytham and in those years alone she made 34 launches, rescuing 28 people. She was sold out of service at Sunderland and converted to a motor sailer by Lambies Boatbuilders.
DUNLEARY was bought by her present owners in 1970, much in need of a thorough overhaul of her cabin superstructure. The hull was in good condition, but a new trawler-style wheelhouse has since been built and fitted.
As of 2018, the vessel has been brought back to her former station of Dun Laoghaire on the East Coast of Ireland, and there's a project underway to restore her to her former glory.
Update, May 2023: The Dunleary Lifeboat Project has been selected as a a recipient of the Heritage Council Ireland's Community Grant Scheme 2023. This means they can start Phase 1 of the restoration project. Their focus for this year is to carry out cosmetic work on the vessel to allow them to showcase it in its authentic glory. Once ready for display, the lifeboat will be moved to a public display area. Phase 1 will involve not only the lifeboat itself but also the restoration of the old bogeys. These will eventually be used to display the slipway so it's essential they are in top condition. A new steel supporting frame will be constructed to ensure safe public exhibition.
Built by J Samuel White & Co of East Cowes, Isle of Wight as a Lifeboat for the Civil Service No7 Lifeboat Fund
Served as a Lifeboat in Kingston, Dun Laoghaire, Ireland
Served as a Lifeboat in Lytham-St-Annes. In her career as a Lifeboat, she was launched 81 times and saved 85 lives
Sold to a Port Authority doctor in Sunderland and converted to a motor sailor
Bought by Mr Jack B Belfield and Ms Pat Jopling. A complete overhaul of the cabin superstructure carried out. It was fitted with an engine that seized and replaced with a 5.1 BMC Sealord 106 HP 6-Cyl Diesel
She was moved from the River Wear to the River Tyne
Refitted on the River Tyne
She was moved to Warkworth Harbour Commission Yard at Amble, Northumberland after vandalism
Vessel is thought to be in fair condition in the WHC Yard Amble adjacent to the RNLI Station
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
National Historic Ships UK acknowledges the financial support of its sponsors