63-527: Penlee Lifeboat Station is the base for Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) search and rescue operations for Mount's Bay in Cornwall , United Kingdom. The lifeboat station operated at various locations in Penzance from the early 19th century. It moved to Penlee Point near Mousehole in 1913, thus gaining its current name, but was moved to Newlyn in 1983 without any change of name. The station
126-672: A 'Framed letter of thanks' from the Chairman or a 'Letter of appreciation' from the Chief Executive or Operations Director. The Ralph Glister Award was inaugurated in 1968 for the most meritorious inshore rescue boat service each year. The Walter Groombridge Award was established in 1986 in memory of Brighton Lifeboat Station 's Administration Officer has been renamed the Walter and Elizabeth Groombridge Award in memory of his wife who died in 1989. The most decorated lifeboatman
189-592: A Royal Charter of incorporation 1860 which has been revised several times since then. It is governed by a Trustee Board which receives advice and assistance from a Council and specialist committees. Day-to-day operations are managed by an Executive Team of 8 senior managers led by chief executive Mark Dowie. The RNLI is split into six administrative regions: The RNLI's headquarters are in Poole , Dorset , adjacent to Holes Bay in Poole Harbour . The site includes
252-458: A boat to safety when that is appropriate but does not charge a salvage fee, however it does encourage voluntary contributions to their funds. This stance was demonstrated at Newquay in 2009, when the RNLI was criticised for not launching a lifeboat in order to aid an uncrewed fishing vessel that had run aground. A spokesperson for the RNLI declared that "We are not a salvage firm and our charity's aim
315-573: A crew room, changing area and training room. There is also a workshop and office. An area is available for visitor engagement. It is situated on the harbourside above the walkway to the pontoon where the lifeboat is moored. Penlee's Severn-class lifeboat has an operating range of 250 nautical miles (460 km) and a top speed of 25 knots (46 km/h), enabling it to reach any casualty up to 50 miles (80 km), and within two hours in good weather. The station also operates an Atlantic 85 ) inshore lifeboat (ILB). Adjacent lifeboats are at The Lizard to
378-625: A fruitless search. Wreckage from the Solomon Browne was found along the shore, and the Union Star lay capsized onto the rocks west of Tater Du Lighthouse . Some, but not all, of the 16 bodies were eventually recovered. Within a day of the disaster enough people from Mousehole had volunteered to form a new lifeboat crew. The disaster prompted a massive public appeal for the benefit of the village of Mousehole which raised over £ 3 million (£14.5 million as of 2023), although there
441-524: A new pontoon was built in Newlyn harbour so that crews could board the ALB more easily. The boathouse at Penlee Point is built into the cliffs below the Newlyn to Mousehole road. It is a single-storey building with a short slipway. It launched boats into Mount's Bay facing St Michael's Mount . Although no boat is now stationed here, the boathouse is still maintained and a small memorial garden has been created on
504-612: A reduction in coastal traffic, saw a reduction in these demands, however more leisure users were taking to the water. These people generally had less experience of the sea and were close to shore. The RNLI considered the use of small inflatable rescue boats. One was purchased for trials and the work of the lifesaving society in Brittany was studied. The first of these D-class lifeboats was deployed in 1963 and by 1969, there were 108 in service which had been launched 1,210 times and saved 541 lives. Larger inshore lifeboats were developed with
567-715: A storm on 15 February 1985. Lifeboat coxswain Kenneth Thomas was presented with the 'Thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum' for attending to the vessel. Royal National Lifeboat Institution The Royal National Lifeboat Institution ( RNLI ) is the largest of the lifeboat services operating around the coasts of the United Kingdom , the Republic of Ireland , the Channel Islands , and
630-410: A strong gale and dense fog, RNLI lifeboat volunteers rescued 456 passengers, including 70 babies. Crews from The Lizard , Cadgwith , Coverack and Porthleven rowed out repeatedly for 16 hours to rescue all of the people on board. Six silver RNLI medals were later awarded, two to Suevic crew members. While the RNLI exists to 'save lives at sea', it does not salvage ships and cargoes. It will tow
693-585: Is also an RNLI memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas . The RNLI awards gold, silver and bronze medals to its crews for bravery. The 'Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum' may also be awarded for significant contributions. In the 180 years to 2004 some 150 gold, 1,563 silver and 791 bronze medals had been presented. 12 medals were awarded in 2022. Significant activities may also be recognised by
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#1732780201809756-517: Is remembered for the loss of the entire lifeboat crew on 19 December 1981 . The first lifeboat in Cornwall was purchased for Penzance in 1803 but it was sold in 1812 without ever being used in service. A district association was formed in 1824 as part of the new National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck (as the RNLI was known at the time) and a lifeboat for Mount's Bay
819-400: Is to provide immediate assistance for people in trouble at sea and lives are at risk." There have been a few isolated cases where individual lifeboat crew members have claimed salvage. There is no legal reason why crew members of the RNLI could not salvage a vessel, since they frequently tow small vessels to safety, often over long distances. One of William Hillary's concerns in setting up
882-568: The Atlantic 21 entering service in 1970. The headquarters and depot were both moved to Poole in 1974. A new Lifeboat Support Centre and College were opened on the adjacent site 2004. The RNLI made a study of its operations during the 1990s and concluded that little more could be done to save people after accidents at sea, but there was scope to reduce the number of accidents happening. This entailed establishing some new services that do not directly involve traditional lifeboats stationed around
945-647: The Distinguished Service Medal for their "gallantry and determination when ferrying troops from the beaches". Of the other lifeboats and crews summoned to Dover by the Admiralty, the first arrivals questioned the details of the service, in particular the impracticality of running heavy lifeboats on to the beach, loading them with soldiers, then floating them off. The dispute resulted in the first three crews being sent home. Subsequent lifeboats arriving were commandeered without discussion, much to
1008-611: The Isle of Man , as well as on some inland waterways. Founded in 1824 as the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck , it soon afterwards became the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck because of the patronage of King George IV . Royal patronage has continued up to the present day with King Charles III . The organisation changed its name to
1071-475: The RNLB Mary Stanford and her entire crew were decorated. In 2022, Trearddur Bay Helmsman Lee Duncan became the first crew member of an Atlantic 85 lifeboat to be awarded the RNLI silver medal for the rescue of a surfer in extreme weather conditions. His three other crew members, Dafydd Griffiths, Leigh McCann and Michael Doran, were each awarded the RNLI bronze medal. The RNLI was granted
1134-528: The River Thames in London is the RNLI's busiest; in 2013 crews rescued 372 people and saved 25 lives. Many other stations have been operated by the RNLI but have since closed as demands changed. Some of these locations now have an independent lifeboat service . The RNLI operated 438 lifeboats in 2022, although the number changes from time-to-time as older boats are retired and new ones provided, and
1197-546: The Wolf Rock . Winds were gusting at up to 90 knots (100 mph; 170 km/h) – hurricane force 12 on the Beaufort scale – and whipping up waves 60 feet (18 m) high. On board the Union Star was a crew of five, and three members of the captain's family. A helicopter had been unable to rescue them and so the lifeboat with its crew of eight men went alongside. After several attempts four people managed to jump across;
1260-645: The Duke of Northumberland were transferred to the RNIPLS and in 1854 an arrangement was made with the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners' Benevolent Society (SFMBS). The RNIPLS would concentrate on saving lives while the SFMBS would look after people who were rescued and brought ashore. This saw the RNIPLS drop the word 'shipwreck' from its name, and the SFMBS transfer its lifeboats to what would now be known as
1323-1072: The Lifeboat Support Centre and Lifeboat College (the RNLI's training centre). The support centre and college were opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004. The college includes a survival pool and lifeboat simulators. Crews are trained here to operate their lifeboat in many situations including capsizes and working with helicopters. RNLI Ireland has a headquarters at Airside in Swords , County Dublin . The institution has enjoyed royal patronage since its foundation. The patrons have been King George IV (1824–1830), King William IV (1830–1837), Queen Victoria (1837–1901), King Edward VII (1901–1910), King George V (1910–1936), Queen Mary (1911–1953), Queen Alexandra (1913–1925), King Edward VIII (1936), King George VI (1937–1952), Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (1937–2002), and Queen Elizabeth II (1952–2022) and, since 14 May 2024, King Charles III . The RNLI provides lifeboat services around
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#17327802018091386-488: The NIPLS in 1824 was that people were putting their lives in danger to rescue people from shipwrecks. Since then, more than 600 people have died in the service of the RNLI. A memorial was unveiled outside the RNLI's Poole headquarters in 2009. It was designed by Sam Holland and bears William Hillary's motto: with courage, nothing is impossible . The names of all those who have lost their lives are inscribed around it. There
1449-475: The RNLI's chief executive disclosed the verbal abuse received by its volunteers from members of the public due to its rescuing of migrants. In 2023, the RNLI released details regarding rescues in the English Channel. As has been the case for 200 years, the RNLI will go to the aid of anyone in difficulty at sea, without judgement or preference. In 2022, the RNLI launched 290 times, with every launch of
1512-544: The RNLI) from more than 50 countries. Construction of motor lifeboats, first petrol-engined but later with specialised diesel engines, resumed after the war. The switch to diesel power was because these used less fuel and could cover much larger distances. The Second World War again brought restrictions, but by now the fleet was largely motorised. In 1918 there had been 233 'pulling and sailing' lifeboats and 23 steam or petrol. In 1939, there were just 15 unpowered lifeboats, and
1575-525: The RNLI. The RNLI was still underfunded so accepted an annual government subsidy of £2,000, but this resulted in the Board of Trade having say in the RNLI's operations. By 1869, they no longer needed to rely on the government subsidy so terminated the agreement. Although the lifeboats were built by commercial boatbuilders, the RNLI had a need to supply stores and replace worn out or damaged equipment. This included reserve lifeboats and carriages. A depot for this
1638-629: The Royal National Lifeboat Institution on 5 October 1854 and was granted a royal charter in 1860. The RNLI is a charity based in Poole, Dorset . It is principally funded by legacies (65%) and donations (30%). Most of its lifeboat crews are unpaid volunteers. They operate more than 400 lifeboats from 238 stations. Paid lifeguards provide services at nearly 250 beaches. The RNLI also provides free safety advice to many different groups of people, and has been involved in international cooperation since 1924. Shipwrecks on
1701-503: The average age of a lifeboatman was over 50. Many launches were to ships that had been torpedoed or struck mines, including naval or merchant vessels on war duty; a notable example was the hospital ship SS Rohilla which foundered in 1914 and was attended by six lifeboats, saving 144 lives over a 50-hour rescue mission. The creation of the Irish Free State in 1922 resulted in the RNLI operating in two countries, however
1764-712: The bodies could be hauled out of the sea, all while the boat was rolling side-to-side at 60˚ and the seas were washing across the boat. They were at sea for nearly eight hours. The coxswain, Trevelyan Richards, was awarded a RNLI bronze medal. On 16 December 1994, the Mabel Alice and the Sennen Cove Lifeboat were launched to the aid of the Julian Paul which was adrift in a storm west of the Longships . The fishing boat's propeller had been fouled and she
1827-468: The captain's family and one of the men were apparently safe. The lifeboat radioed that 'we’ve got four off'; that was the last ever heard from anyone on either vessel. Lifeboats were summoned from Sennen Cove , The Lizard and St Mary's to try to help their colleagues from Penlee. The Sennen Cove Lifeboat found it impossible to make headway round Land's End . The Lizard Lifeboat found a serious hole in its hull when it finally returned to its slipway after
1890-638: The coast of the Isle of Man in 1822 inspired local resident and philanthropist William Hillary to "appeal to the British nation" to establish "a national institution for the preservation of life and property from shipwreck". Initially he received little response from the Admiralty , however George Hibbert , a merchant, and Thomas Wilson , a Member of Parliament , helped to bring support from some influential people including King George IV and other royalty, leading politicians and merchants. A public meeting
1953-453: The coast. A 'Sea Safety' campaign produces various short guides with advice and safety information for different types of user such as divers, sailors and users of personal water craft. 'Sea Check' volunteers also provide inspections and advice for leisure boat owners. Attention was also paid to people on beaches. The RNLI started to provide lifeguards on certain beaches in May 2001. By the end of
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2016-513: The coasts and on certain inland waterways throughout the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and offshore islands. In 2022 this involved operations from 238 lifeboat stations with a fleet of 438 rescue craft that launched 9,312 times. There are also 242 lifeguard units who aided 23,204 people. These services are provided by nearly 10,000 lifeboat volunteers and 1,591 lifeguards. The RNLI operated 238 RNLI lifeboat stations in 2022 around
2079-403: The coasts of Great Britain , Ireland , the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands . Stations will be equipped with all-weather lifeboats and/or inshore lifeboats to suit their local needs. Launch methods vary too, generally having larger boats moored afloat or launched on a slipway while smaller boats are often put in the water on trolleys propelled by tractors. Tower Lifeboat Station on
2142-473: The decade, the service was provided at 100 beaches and more than 10,000 people were being given aid each year. 2001 also saw the first lifeboat stations established on inland waters. Enniskillen Lifeboat Station on Lough Erne was opened in May 2001 and several stations were established on the River Thames in 2002. The RNLI received attention in 2021 for its actions during the European migrant crisis as
2205-508: The disappointment of many lifeboatmen. A later RNLI investigation resulted in the dismissal of two Hythe crew members, who were nevertheless vindicated in one aspect of their criticism, as Hythe's Viscountess Wakefield was run on to the beach at La Panne and unable to be refloated; she was the only lifeboat to be lost in the operation. Some RNLI crew members stayed in Dover for the emergency to provide repair and refuelling facilities, and after
2268-660: The east, and Sennen Cove to the west. Coxswain Trevelyan Richards was posthumously awarded the RNLI gold medal after the disaster in 1981, while the remainder of the crew (James Madron, Nigel Brockman, John Blewett, Charles Greenhaugh, Kevin Smith, Barrie Torrie and Gary Wallis) were all posthumously awarded bronze medals. The station itself was awarded a gold medal service plaque. In 1936, Coxswain Frank Blewitt
2331-504: The end of the century the total had risen to 41,820. Between 1900 and 1999 there were 91,952 saved, the greatest number in a single year being 1,837 in 1973. Fewer people have need to be saved in recent years; in 2022 389 lives were saved and another 16,476 people aided. The biggest rescue in the RNLI's history was on 17 March 1907, when the 12,000 tonne liner SS Suevic hit the Maenheere Reef near Lizard Point in Cornwall. In
2394-431: The end of the evacuation most lifeboats returned to their stations with varying levels of damage and continued their lifesaving services. The diesel engines used in lifeboats continued to be developed after the war. A standard Gardner engine was found to work well in the marine environment and became the RNLI's standard from 1954. Using a commercial engine made maintenance and obtaining spare parts much easier than with
2457-549: The greater range of the motor lifeboats meant that only 145 were needed. The RNLI's depot was moved from Poplar to Borehamwood in July 1939, a few months before the outbreak of the Second World War. The headquarters staff were also moved from London to Borehamwood during the war. The war placed considerable extra demands on the RNLI, particularly in south and east England where the threat of invasion and enemy activity
2520-468: The lifeboat being at the request of H.M. Coastguard. This figure represented just 3% of the 9,312 call-outs nationally in 2022. These 290 calls resulted in saving the lives of 108 people. The RNLI definition of a life saved, is one where the person would have died if not for an intervention by the RNLI or other third party/emergency service. The RNLI was formed in 1824 and in that year 124 lives were saved. By 1829 more than 1,000 people had been saved and by
2583-479: The lifeboats were increasingly called upon to rescue migrants attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats. The British government praised its 'vital work' but politician Nigel Farage criticised the organisation as being a 'taxi service' for human trafficking gangs. There was a 3,000% rise in daily donations and a 270% increase in people viewing its website's volunteering opportunities page after
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2646-409: The needs of the lifeboat stations change. The names of lifeboats are prefixed 'RNLB' (for Royal National Lifeboat). All display an Operation Number so that they can be easily identified; all-weather lifeboats are also allocated a sequential Official Number (ON) which is used in RNLI records There are two broad types of lifeboat: Mount%27s Bay Too Many Requests If you report this error to
2709-638: The new Irish government was glad to see the lifeboat service continue as it was. The first International Lifeboat Conference was held in London in 1924 on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the RNLI. Eight other countries sent delegations and it resulted in the establishment of the International Lifeboat Federation later that year. This is now known as the International Maritime Rescue Federation and has member organisations (including
2772-448: The north side of the boathouse where people can sit and remember the crew of the Solomon Browne . In 2023 the boathouse, slipway, memorial garden, retaining and boundary walls were designated together a Grade II listed building . As well as architectural interest the reasons for designation cited the association with the Solomon Browne. New facilities at Newlyn were brought into use in the summer of 2019. The two-storey building includes
2835-595: The only tug owned by the RNLI was the Helen Peele which operated at Padstow from 1901 to 1929. Petrol-engined lifeboats saw wider use. Initial examples were converted from 'pulling and sailing' lifeboats but purpose-built motor lifeboats started to appear from 1908. Production was severely restricted during the First World War . During the First World War , lifeboat crews launched 1,808 times, rescuing 5,332 people. With many younger men on active service,
2898-462: The outskirts of Mousehole . This was elevated a little above the water, and the lifeboat could be launched down a slipway into open water at all states of the tide. The old "pulling and sailing" lifeboat was replaced by one with a motor in 1922. On 19 December 1981 the Solomon Browne was launched to go to the aid of the MV Union Star after its engines failed 8 miles (13 km) east of
2961-602: The president in 1851 while well-meaning dukes and archbishops on the committee were replaced by experienced naval officers who brought more rigour to its operations. Captain John Ross Ward was appointed Inspector of Lifeboats and was responsible for the design and introduction of cork lifejackets for lifeboat volunteers. The Duke of Northumberland instigated a competition to design a "pulling and sailing" lifeboat that could use both oars and sails so they operated further from their stations. 280 entries were received and
3024-422: The public for new funds. By 1850, annual income had dropped to £354, but a new committee then started to turn around the Institution and appointed Richard Lewis as Secretary. Over the next 33 years he travelled around the country used his skills to increase the funds: by 1859 annual receipts had climbed to over £10,000 and by 1882 they reached £43,117. Other changes saw 4th Duke of Northumberland's appointed
3087-475: The self-righter by James Beeching considered the best but James Peake, a master shipwright at the Royal Woolwich Dockyard , was asked by the RNLI to develop the design further in 1851. Peake-designed lifeboats and improved versions were the preferred choice for both new and replacement boats at most stations until the 1890s and beyond. The lifeboats operated by other local committees under
3150-837: The specialised engines used previously. Faster lifeboats were developed from the 1960s by adopting new hull shapes. The first was the Waveney-class based on an American design, but the RNLI developed the concept with the Arun-class in the 1970s. Faster craft allowed the location of stations to be reviewed with the aim of being able to reach 95% of casualties within 30 minutes of launch. This meant than some stations could be closed as there were others nearby, but it also showed some gaps in coverage which required new stations to be opened. For more than 100 years, most lifeboat launches had been to commercial vessels that were in distress. Improved engines and safety equipment, along with
3213-469: The way to the breakers yard after it had been retired at the end of the Second World War . Madron was the subject of This Is Your Life in 1957 when he was surprised by Eamonn Andrews at a theatre in London. In the introduction the audience was told that although Madron 'has snatched so many lives from the cruel sea, that same sea has claimed his father and son'. He was told that the programme
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#17327802018093276-627: Was Henry Blogg GC BEM , coxswain of Cromer for 37 years, with three gold medals and four silver. He was also awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal in 1924, converted to a George Cross in 1941, and the British Empire Medal , and is known as "The Greatest of all Lifeboatmen". Some other lifeboat crew who have received multiple medals include: One lifeboat has received an award: for the Daunt lightship rescue in 1936
3339-408: Was again stationed at Penzance from 1826 a couple of years and then permanently from 1853. The Penzance Lifeboat Elizabeth and Blanche was moved to Newlyn in 1908, where it was kept under a tarpaulin beside the harbour, although Penzance Lifeboat Station remained in use until 1917. The lifeboat remained at Newlyn until 1913, when a new boathouse was built at Penlee Point south of Newlyn on
3402-514: Was an outcry when the government tried to tax the donations. After the loss of the Solomon Browne , the Penlee Point station remained in use until 1983 when the Mabel Alice , larger, faster Arun-class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was acquired, and a new lifeboat station constructed at Newlyn harbour, where the new lifeboat is kept afloat at a mooring. Despite the move, the station continues to be known as 'Penlee'. The original building of 1983
3465-634: Was awarded a RNLI bronze medal for rescuing the crew of nine from the SS Taycraig after it ran aground in Mount's Bay during a gale. Coxswain Edwin Madron received a silver medal and Mechanic Johny Drew a bronze medal for another exceptional service in April 1947. They took the W and S out into 30 feet (9.1 m) seas to rescue eight people from HMS Warspite (03) which ran aground on
3528-728: Was convened at the London Tavern on 4 March 1824, chaired by the Archbishop of Canterbury . A resolution was passed to form the National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck. King George IV gave approval for the word "Royal" to be added to the title on 20 March 1824, thus becoming the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck. The institution's committee set itself three objectives: A committee
3591-493: Was dedicated 'as a tribute not only to you but to the thousands who man the lifeboats of Britain.' In January 1975, the Solomon Browne was launched into a Force 12 hurricane when it was reported that the 13 crew members of the MV Lovat had abandoned ship 24 miles (39 km) south west of Lizard Point . A helicopter saved two people but the rest were drowned. The lifeboat had to drop the safety rails around its deck so that
3654-482: Was established at Poplar, London in 1882. The loss of 27 lifeboat crew from Southport and St Annes in 1886 inspired local committee member Charles Macara to campaign for more funds to support the families of volunteers who were killed during rescues. As a result, in the summer of 1891 over £10,000 was raised through newspaper campaigns in Yorkshire . He then went on to organise the first 'Lifeboat Day'. This
3717-622: Was ever-present, rescuing downed aircrew a frequent occurrence, and the constant danger of mines. During the war, 6,376 lives were saved. Nineteen RNLI lifeboats sailed to Dunkirk between 27 May and 4 June 1940 to assist with the Dunkirk evacuation . Lifeboats from Ramsgate , (RNLB Prudential (ON 697)), and Margate , ( RNLB Lord Southborough (ON 688) ), went directly to France with their own crews, Ramsgate's crew collecting 2,800 troops. Both coxswains , Edward Parker from Margate and Howard Primrose Knight from Ramsgate were awarded
3780-428: Was formed to examine different types of lifeboats. An 'unimmergible' based on a 1785 patent by Lionel Lukin continued to be built but was heavy and expensive. A lighter boat designed by George Palmer became the standard design until the 1850s. In 1824, the year it was founded, the RNIPLS raised £9,706 but the funds soon dwindled. By 1835 annual income was down to just £806 and during the 1840s no appeals were made to
3843-481: Was held in Manchester on 1 October 1891. Two lifeboats were paraded through the streets as volunteers collected money from the public. The boats were then launched on a lake in a park to give demonstrations. More than £5,000 was raised on the day. Six steam-powered lifeboats were built between 1890 and 1901. A number of lifeboat stations used commercial steam tugs to tow lifeboats to where they were needed, but
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#17327802018093906-434: Was replaced by a new one in 2019. A D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) was stationed on the opposite side of Mount's Bay at Marazion (although it was actually kept at St Michael's Mount ) in 1991. It proved difficult to find enough volunteer crews in this small village, so the station was closed in 2001 and a larger B-class boat was added to the complement at Penlee, with a new boathouse built to house it. The following year
3969-602: Was towed back to Newlyn harbour. Neil Brockman, the Coxswain/Mechanic of the Penlee Lifeboat, was awarded a RNLI bronze medal for his seamanship, leadership and meritorious conduct, as was Terry George, his counterpart from Sennen Cove. Brockman was later presented with a 'Framed letter of thanks from the Chairman' for leading the rescue of an injured sailor from a French tanker in high seas on 21 December 1999. The French trawler St Simeon got into trouble in
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