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.
New four-day Lancaster Fringe Festival announced
Former Lancaster antiques centre revamp gets go-ahead
Controversial new housing plans near Lancaster given thumbs up
LISTEN: Plans revealed for 'permanent seasonal' Lancaster On Ice
Morecambe woman charged with murder following death of eight-week-old baby
Rescue after person stuck in mud in Lancaster
Hundreds expected at Eden Project Morecambe 'breaking ground ceremony'
Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
Morecambe MP says Sir Keir Starmer "has made right decision" as Prime Minister resigns
Limited edition artwork will raise vital funds for Lancaster community group
Green Heritage Plaque marks first home of Lancaster University
New home revealed for £20m Morecambe West End regeneration scheme
Wooden nests take flight in Lancaster and Morecambe to stop decline of endangered birds
Veterans salute as Armed Forces Day flag raised at start of celebration weekend in Morecambe
Vandals cause delays to aqueduct sinkhole repairs in Lancaster
Extra Care scheme to open in Lancaster
