Morecambe lifeboat chief retires after 28 years of dedicated service

Saturday, 1 April 2023 08:19

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

A dedicated servant of the Morecambe lifeboat crew has hung up his wellies after 28 years.

Steve Wilson, lifeboat operations manager, retired from the Morecambe RNLI on Friday after nearly three decades of helping to save lives at sea.

During Steve's tenure as a volunteer crew member, the town's lifeboat service has saved more than 80 lives.

Steve's career spanned many memorable events including the build of both current lifeboat stations and the introduction of the inshore rescue hovercrafts to the RNLI fleet.

He was also present for the tragic Morecambe Bay cockling disaster in 2004. After this disaster, Steve, alongside his fellow volunteers, was praised for his teamwork and dedication.

In 1995, when Steve joined the RNLI, Morecambe Lifeboat Station was essentially a shed with a boat.

Steve progressed though his training and in 2003 became a helmsman for the inshore rescue lifeboat alongside being crew for the hovercraft.

After 15 years of service, he raised £1500 for the RNLI by competing in the Great North Swim.

In 2019 Steve took on the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager. He used his vast knowledge of the RNLI and his 24 years of operational experience to lead Morecambe RNLI into a new era of volunteering.

During his time as Lifeboat Operations Manager he has overseen approximately 200 launches, kept the station running throughout Covid and been involved in crew and station progression.

Martyn Browitt, chairman of Morecambe RNLI and Deputy Launching Authority, said: "Steve's hard work, wit and humour will be greatly missed.

"We all wish him the very best on his retirement.”

Morecambe RNLI thanked Steve for his dedication and commitment over the years and wished him and his family all the best for the future.

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