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Whitby's Shannon class lifeboat Lois Ivan cruises along the water at sunset

Your Launch a Memory Whitby updates

Welcome to your updates page, where you can keep track of the Whitby lifeboat.

On this page

  1. See your loved one's name outside the station
  2. Whitby's new Henry Freeman sculpture
  3. Whitby momentos
  4. Previous updates
  5. Get the most from Launch a Memory
An image of the new signage displaying a replica of the Whitby lifeboat decal

See your loved one's name outside the station

Your loved one’s name is not only on the side of your Launch a Memory lifeboat at Whitby. It's also taking pride of place on the permanent billboards outside the station.

The two billboards feature full-size replicas of the lifeboat’s decal RNLI 13-49, and all the precious names within it, from both its starboard (right-hand) and port (left-hand) sides. And if you need help finding a name, you can scan the handy QR codes with a mobile phone, which will take you to our online name finder tool.

Whitby RNLI volunteers with the Henry Freeman sculpture, artist Emma Stothard and Lesley Jackson, a descendant of Henry, at Khyber Pass. A grassy bank and cliffs are in the background.

Photo: RNLI/Ceri Oakes

Whitby's new Henry Freeman sculpture

When thinking of ways to commemorate the RNLI’s 200th anniversary in 2024, Whitby Station Mechanic Richard Dowson had an idea of creating a sculpture for the local community and visitors to enjoy.

The result is this incredible wire sculpture of Whitby lifeboat legend Henry Freeman, which stands proudly on Khyber Pass. It was created by local artist Emma Stothard and generously funded by Lesley Jackson (née Freeman) – a descendant of Henry.

Read about the special unveiling
Whitby’s range of high-quality, affordable products resting on a backdrop of pebbles and a coiled rope. Mementos that show the Whitby illustration of the boat and number

Photo: RNLI

Whitby mementos

This special range of Launch a Memory mementos for your Whitby lifeboat are available from the online RNLI Shop. Whether you buy to treasure or give as a gift, these mementos act as a constant reminder that your loved one is beside the Whitby lifeboat crew, every time they launch.

Browse the Whitby range

Previous updates

Previous updates

Welcome home Lois-Ivan!
Welcome home Lois-Ivan!

On Sunday 11 June 2023, your Launch a Memory lifeboat arrived at Whitby after a 3½-day voyage from our All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset. Upon its arrival, the lifeboat and all the names it carries were bathed in glorious sunshine, making its emotional welcome from volunteers and the local Whitby community even more poignant. You can watch your lifeboat’s arrival in this video. Regrettably, we couldn't promote the event or encourage visiting the station due to capacity limitations for supporters.  


After 3 months of intensive training on the new Shannon, it was time to say goodbye to the station’s faithful Trent.

View video
Launch a Memory event
Launch a Memory event

It was an absolute honour and a privilege to host many of you at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset, so you could see your Whitby lifeboat and your loved one’s name upon it. The event weekends on 20–21 May and 3–4 June 2023 were joyous occasions, and it was truly heartwarming to hear the stories you shared.


If you couldn't make the event, don't worry! We made sure to capture all the excitement in a short video. It's a delightful recap of the unforgettable moments we experienced together. 

View video
In 2023, we rang the bell for Whitby's new Shannon
In 2023, we rang the bell for Whitby's new Shannon

On 4 April 2023, the RNLI celebrated the completion of your Launch a Memory Shannon class lifeboat 13-49 Lois-Ivan, destined to protect the shores around Whitby.


Watch this video of the bell-ringing ceremony for this special lifeboat at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset.

View video

Get the most from Launch a Memory

Image of the search to find a loved one's name on the Whitby Lifeboat
Find your loved one's name

Use our online tool to locate the precise location of your loved one's name on the letters and numbers of Whitby’s lifeboat.

Contact us at [email protected] if you require assistance.

Start search
A side view of the Launch a Memory decal on the Whitby Shannon class lifeboat
Launch a Memory photo prints and wall art

You can now purchase a lifesaving printed keepsake to commemorate the special person you've remembered on the Whitby Shannon class lifeboat.


Design-wise, you can choose the individual letter or number that your loved one's name is in or the full lifeboat decal.

Browse the Launch a Memory Whitby prints
Collage of images from dedications
Leave a dedication
Many people have shared heart-warming stories about why they chose to include the name of someone they miss on the lifeboat – as well as celebrating their or their loved one’s connection to the RNLI.
Add a dedication
3 male RNLI crew members stand next to a body of water
Create a tribute fund for your loved one
An RNLI Forever by the Sea tribute fund is an online space for you to share treasured stories and photos of your loved one with family and friends. If you want to, you can also use it to help raise funds for the RNLI in their memory.
Share your memories and raise funds