Sponsors
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Registration number
2996
Status
Registered
a12admin
Details
Function
Service Vessel
Subfunction
Lifeboat
Location
Harwich
Vessel type
Watson Class Lifeboat
Current use
Ongoing conservation
Available to hire
Yes
Available for excursions
Yes
Construction
Builder
White, J Samuel & Co Ltd, Cowes, Isle of Wight
Built in
1930
Hull material
Wood
Rig
None
Number of decks
2
Propulsion
Motor
Number of engines
2
Primary engine type
Inboard diesel
Dimensions
Length: Overall
46.50 feet
(14.17m)
Breadth: Beam
12.50 feet
(3.81m)
Depth
9.00 feet
(2.74m)
History
W & S was an RNLI Lifeboat for 40 years. She spent 30 years of this as a Penlee lifeboat where she completed outstanding services saving over 100 lives. Some of the services were award rescues. This boat completed special services during the war years, and she has been the subject of many books and films.
She was found abandoned in a Falmouth field in 2013 and requires extensive restoration works. To complete these, she has been transported to Harwich for the duration of the works which are estimated to take 2 - 3 years.
Update, January 2023: Vessel for sale
Significance
W & S was an RNLI Lifeboat for 40 years, purposefully built for the RNLI Penlee lifeboat station. She spent 30 years of this as a Penlee lifeboat where she completed outstanding services saving over 100 lives. Some of the services were award rescues. This boat completed special services during the war years, and she has been the subject of many books and films.
W & S is one of the first motor lifeboats and the first to carry a radio for communications. She is the longest serving lifeboat from one lifeboat station because Cox and crew had total confidence in the design, leading to outstanding medal rescues.
Key dates
-
1929/1930
Vessel was built in Cowes, Isle of Wight
-
1930-1962
On station as Penlee Lifeboat
-
1930-1970
Served in the RNLI fleet
-
2010-2013
Various private owners
-
2013-2016
Purchased by present owner and undergoing restoration works to make vessel seaworthy
-
2020
Vessel remains under restoration in 2020. The delay in works has been due to set backs with the machinery and in particular the port gearbox which needed to be rebuilt by specialist engineers
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
