Name Herbert John

HERBERT JOHN (ON825) was built in 1939 by Groves & Gutteridge, Cowes, as a single engine Liverpool class lifeboat. The cost was £4054.9.1d which was provided from legacies of Miss B A Athill of St Johns Wood & Sidney M. Poland of Brockham Green. She served at Cloughey, Co. Down, from 1939 - 1952, being launched 46 times and saving 67 lives. 

In 1946, she was launched at 4.11am completing her nine miles journey to the scene by 4.45am. Her first trip was to Portaferry with sick and injured. She then returned to the ship and continued to take off men until her help was no longer needed. She landed altogether 400 men in eight trips. She left about two in the afternoon and reached her station again at 2.45am. Both the Newcastle and Cloughey life-boats were heavily coated with crude oil which had escaped from the steamer. 

She remained on service until 1952 when Cloughey Lifeboat Station received its last lifeboat, the 'Constance Calverley' (ON902).  In 1952 she was transferred to Youghal, County Cork, where she stayed until 1966 and was launched 14 times and saved 30 lives.

She was sold out of service in 1966, and used as a private motor launch. 

Between 2010 and 2012 she underwent a major restoration at Nelsons Boats, Northern Ireland, a yard specialising in lifeboats.  She was put back as close as possible to her original service condition by sourcing as many original parts, features and fittings as possible.  She was re-engined with an almost new Ford 4D and relaunched in Falmouth.  

The vessel is believed to be under new ownership since May 2025. Reported on social media that vessel sank at its moorings June 2025 and was raised immediately. 

Update, January 2026: Vessel for sale. 

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