St Marys Deputy Launch Authority steps down after an RNLI volunteer service span
From the Mullion boy starting his volunteer journey on board the Duke of Cornwall for the Lizard RNLI, Robert Francis has launched his last lifeboat as DLA for St Marys RNLI Lifeboat Station in the Isles of Scilly.
Robert volunteered for the Lizard lifeboat for 29 years and 4 months, not including the year he spent as a reserve. From his recount of the evening of the Penlee Lifeboat disaster on the 19 December 1981 to his fond memories of the crew he served alongside, it is clear how much the strong bonds he has built with those he served with over the years mean to him and the huge amount of respect between them.
Prior to 1975 Robert had tried previously to join the Lizard lifeboat but was told ‘we don’t have people from Mullion I’m afraid’ eventually, due to illness and crew shortage he was approached and invited to sign up by the then Launch Authority. As the only crew member with a radio licence he quickly became the mechanic, although at the time this role also encompassed radio, chart table, navigator, radar etc. The variety of which he very much enjoyed.
Robert recalls the gut wrenching night of the Penlee Lifeboat Disaster. How they headed out in a southerly storm force 10 gusting hurricane force 12, the green seas that smashed over The Lizard lifeboat, the damage they received, the bilge keels split, all the railings were taken out by the waves and the forward hatch sprung open. Among the crew who bravely went out on deck to fix this, no railings, no lifeline, just each other to hold onto, was Mitch. Mitch was a much-loved fisherman and great friend of Robert who eventually found his way to the Isles of Scilly making St Martins his home. Sadly Mitch is no longer alive but his memory lives on as Robert recalls how despite shutting the hatch they couldn’t close it and so as three of the crew lay on top of the hatch Mitch used an axe to beat the hatch handle over which undoubtedly helped save the Lizard Lifeboat. Sadly the search was futile, and we honour the memories of the crew of the Solomon Browne.
The Lizard lifeboat went in for repair and was replaced by the James and Catherine MacFarlane, a 48ft 6inch Oakley class lifeboat. It was on this lifeboat that Coxswain Peter Mitchell was awarded a bronze medal for Gallantry and the crew, of which Robert was part of, awarded bronze service badges. The James and Catherine MacFarlane was decommissioned after her time at The Lizard lifeboat station. Later in life Robert bought this lifeboat and with the help of his son Simon, has lovingly restored her. You will find them sailing the UK shores and across the channel with this fabulous piece of history.
After stepping down as crew and a few years in Scotland, Robert relocated to St Marys where he was honoured to be approached and asked to volunteer for the St Marys Lifeboat as Deputy Launch Authority. A role he has committed 15 years to and one of vital importance. As Coxswain Pete Hicks comments:
‘When Robert was on duty if a launch request came through, he was always a calm voice either on the phone or in the crew room explaining reasons behind the tasking and then making the decision to launch the lifeboat’
Robert launched the lifeboat 27 times to: 5 fishing vessels, 18 sailing vessels, 1 ocean rowing boat, 2 motor vessels and 1 person in the water. He is honoured to have been the DLA of the Whiteheads, stating:
‘ There are really seriously good men and women on the crew, I think they are an amazing team and it’s a great privilege to have worked with them’
Robert’s commitment stands as a testament to loyalty, expertise and passion to the RNLI. In the words of Pete Hicks:
‘The whole station would like to wish Robert all the best and now he can enjoy peaceful nights and evenings without the pager bursting into life’
Thank you for your volunteer service Robert, the lives you have saved and the ones you have inspired.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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