Rock RNLI Lifeboat Station to receive new D class lifeboat.

Rusper II was the second lifeboat generously donated to the station by Pam and Anita, and it has played a vital role in saving lives at sea.

All the volunteer crew would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Pam and Anita for their incredible support over the past 20 years. Their generosity has enabled countless shouts and life-saving missions, and we are truly thankful.

Volunteer Helm Charlie Toogood said:

“We’re pleased that Rusper II will continue as a lifesaving asset, as she is due to be repurposed as a boarding boat at Appledore Lifeboat Station. As a crew, we have always done our best to keep the boat in excellent condition.”

As Rusper II’s active service at Rock comes to an end, we are proud to announce the arrival of a brand new D Class lifeboat —D-905 PJS — kindly donated by Peter Sobey. The crew at Rock RNLI Lifeboat Station are incredibly grateful to Peter for his generous support and are committed to caring for PJS with the same dedication and respect as our previous lifeboats.

Peter said on a visit to Rock Lifeboat Station:

'"Every day is a good day” is something I often say despite the challenges that we are all often presented with.

'I have often been moved by tragic events in the news but distinctly remember how I felt on hearing about the Penlee lifeboat tragedy in December 1981 when eight crew members lost their lives in a brave and heroic attempt to save lives at sea. I and many members of my community contributed to the disaster fund at the time.

'In recent years, I visited The Lizard Lifeboat Station in west Cornwall and was moved again by the work of the volunteers and the history of the recent and historic rescues. It was after this visit that the idea of a new lifeboat for the RNLI dawned upon me. Nikki called with the exciting news that the RNLI were able to offer me the chance to fund a new D class lifeboat destined for Rock. We feel very much part of the Rock lifeboat family already.'

Our station responds to numerous shouts every year, and without the unwavering support of our donors, we simply couldn’t do what we do. Thank you for helping us save lives at sea.

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.