Robert Francis Steps Down as Deputy Launch Authority for St Marys RNLI After 15 Years

A journey that began on The Lizard

From his early days as a Mullion boy joining the Duke of Cornwall lifeboat for The Lizard RNLI, Robert Francis has brought his long service to a close after launching his final lifeboat as Deputy Launch Authority (DLA) for St Marys RNLI Lifeboat Station in the Isles of Scilly.

Robert's volunteer service began with The Lizard lifeboat, where he gave 29 years and 4 months, not including a year as reserve. Before joining in 1975, his first attempt had been turned down with the words, "we don't have people from Mullion I'm afraid." Illness and crew shortage later opened the door, and as the only crew member with a radio licence he quickly became mechanic, a role which at the time also covered radio, navigation, radar and more.

Memories of the Penlee Lifeboat Disaster

Robert often recalls the night of the Penlee Lifeboat Disaster on 19th December 1981, when The Lizard lifeboat launched into a storm force 10, gusting to hurricane force 12. Green seas smashed over the vessel, damaging the bilge keels, rails and forward hatch. Among the crew was Mitch, a much-loved fisherman and Robert's close friend, who later made his home on St Martins. Mitch used an axe to force the hatch handle closed while others lay across the hatch, an act Robert believes saved the lifeboat.

Despite their efforts, the search proved futile and the memory of the Solomon Browne's crew remains deeply honoured.

Following repairs, The Lizard lifeboat was replaced by the James and Catherine MacFarlane, an Oakley class lifeboat. It was aboard this vessel that Coxswain Peter Mitchell received a bronze medal for Gallantry, while Robert and his crew were awarded bronze service badges. Years later Robert purchased the James and Catherine MacFarlane and, with his son Simon, restored her. Together they continue to sail her around the UK and across the Channel.

📷Credit: RNLI/Robert Francis private collection

A new chapter in the Isles of Scilly

After stepping down from crew duty and spending time in Scotland, Robert moved to St Marys where he was asked to serve as Deputy Launch Authority, a role he has held for 15 years. The position carried vital responsibility, as Coxswain Pete Hicks explained:

"When Robert was on duty if a launch request came through, he was always a calm voice either on the phone or in the crew room explaining reasons behind the tasking and then making the decision to launch the lifeboat."

During his time as DLA, Robert launched the lifeboat 27 times, including to five fishing vessels, 18 sailing vessels, one ocean rowing boat, two motor vessels and one person in the water. Reflecting on his time, Robert said:

"There are really seriously good men and women on the crew, I think they are an amazing team and it's a great privilege to have worked with them."

📷The crew and Launch Authorities of the Whiteheads - Credit: RNLI/Rosemary Tocknell and Nikki Banfield

A lifetime of service

Robert's decades of volunteering stand as a record of loyalty, skill and passion for the RNLI. In the words of Pete Hicks:

"The whole station would like to wish Robert all the best and now he can enjoy peaceful nights and evenings without the pager bursting into life."

Thank you for your service, Robert — for the lives saved and the inspiration given.

📷DLA Robert Francis and Coxswain Pete Hicks - Credit: RNLI/Rosemary Tocknell