Exmouth RNLI Launch a Memory Shannon class lifeboat is returning home

R and J Welburn will arrive in Exmouth at approximately 12.30pm on Monday 14 July, where she will moor alongside the RNLI’s relief lifeboat, Eric’s Legend, to facilitate the transfer of equipment between vessels. The two Shannon-class lifeboats will then proceed in convoy across Exmouth’s seafront for photographic opportunities. This will be the first time two Launch a Memory lifeboats have been operational at the same lifeboat station.

Upon completion of the convoy, Eric’s Legend will return to its mooring and prepare for the journey back to Poole. R and J Welburn will subsequently be recovered back to Exmouth’s lifeboat station. All timings are subject to change due to potential weather-related delays, and operational requirements.

We know many people will be eager to see the lifeboat newly returned to Exmouth and proudly displaying the names of loved ones. There are two ways to visit:

• Drop-in viewing – 10.30am to 3.30pm on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July. Then daily from Saturday 26 July until October. No booking required – enjoy limited access to the boathall, where you can view the lifeboat and find your loved one’s name. An RNLI volunteer will be on hand to help guide your visit and answer any questions.
• VIP station tour experience – limited availability. For a more exclusive and in-depth visit, pre-book our strictly limited VIP guided tour. You'll get full access to the station, a behind-the-scenes look at the RNLI’s lifesaving work, and an up-close view of the lifeboat. Book your VIP tour here

There will be large banners at the lifeboat station of the wheelhouse roof, port and starboard graphics displaying the names making up the ‘RNLI 13-03’.

Exmouth is a busy operational lifeboat station so please be aware that the lifeboat may not be at the lifeboat station when you visit due to operational requirements.

The RNLI’s Launch a Memory campaign offers a lasting tribute to commemorate a loved one or celebrate someone still among us by having their name on an RNLI lifeboat. R and J Welburn, Exmouth’s Shannon-class lifeboat, is the latest Launch a Memory lifeboat. The appeal has raised over £1.08million for the RNLI, which will fund essential equipment and training required for the crews to continue saving lives at sea.

To find the location of a name on the lifeboat, please go to www.launchamemory.rnli.org.uk/exmouth.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.