New coxswain Nathan charts a northerly course for Aith
New coxswain Nathan charts a northerly course for Aith
Lifeboats News Release
The most northerly lifeboat station in the UK has announced the appointment of Nathan Mann as its new coxswain. 30 year old Nathan brings a solid 10+ years of lifesaving experience to the role in Aith, having previously been part of the volunteer RNLI crew for its station in Lerwick.
Having already passed his RNLI mechanic training in Lerwick, Nathan is now on course to qualify as a fully passed-out coxswain before Christmas – giving him an excellent all-round background to lead the crew in Aith – and ensuring that the station’s Severn-class lifeboat, Charles Lidbury, remains in top condition.
Prior to his formal appointment, Nathan was already stepping up to support Aith's operations, covering shifts when station staff were away from base. Before committing himself to the RNLI full time he was working as a deckhand for Blueshell Mussels. His involvement in notable rescues to date includes the dramatic 16-hour operation in 2023 to tow the broken-down fishing vessel Westbank safely to harbour from 60 miles east of the isles – all in the face of a force 10 storm.
Deepening his connection to Aith is Nathan's upcoming marriage into one of the station's most stalwart supportive families. His fiancée, Laurie, is the daughter of longstanding volunteer Kevin Henry, a former Aith lifeboat mechanic who continues to serve as a deputy launch assistant during call-outs. Nathan, Laurie and their three bairns – Bella (9), Luca (7) and Elsea (1) – plan to relocate to Aith at the earliest opportunity.
“With some strong family ties to the Aith station, it is a genuine honour to be appointed as its coxswain. Having had several weeks of orientation training, I’m really enjoying working with a crew of committed and experienced volunteers – who all do what needs to be done to help save lives at sea.
“A huge part of the job is also our community relations – for fundraising, and for safety awareness – and I look forward to meeting lots of folk in the coming weeks, months and years ahead.”
RNLI/Daniel Lawson
Nathan onboard with two of his bairns, Bella (9) and Luca (7)
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.
