Name Charles Henry

CHARLES HENRY is a former Oakley Class lifeboat. Her official number was 1015, and her operational number was 48-12.  She is 48 feet and 6 inches in length.  She was stationed at Selsey, West Sussex, from 1969 until 1983, and then at Baltimore, County Cork, Ireland, between 1983 and 1987.  Her penultimate service was in 1986 when she went to assist the KOWLOON BRIDGE in what was described as a phenomenal sea state.  

She is now the only Oakley Class 48 ft 6 inch lifeboat afloat.  There were only five such lifeboats built, with the operational numbers 48-01, 48-02, 48-03, 48-12 and 48-13.  Those with the operational numbers 48-01 and 48-13 were broken up by the RNLI. Number 48-03 is currently on display at Hythe, and number 48-02 is being refurbished (circa 2019). 48-12 (CHARLES HENRY) is currently moored in Blyth, Northumberland. 

In October 2019 it was reported that the vessel had passed the MCA coding inspection for category 3 sea area, allowing the boat to operate commercially up to 20mm from a safe haven. 

As of 2025, she has twin Gardner 6lx diesel engines and has been used under current ownership for coastal cruising. 

Update, June 2025: Vessel for sale.