Farewell to a Lifesaver: Falmouth RNLI’s Severn Class Lifeboat Retires After 23 Years

A New Era Begins for Falmouth RNLI

Falmouth RNLI is preparing to bid farewell to the Severn class lifeboat RNLB Richard Cox Scott, marking the end of an extraordinary 23 years of service. The lifeboat, which has launched over 500 times and saved more than 12 lives, will be withdrawn from service at the end of January 2025.

The Richard Cox Scott, first placed into service on 18th December 2001, is set to be replaced by a cutting-edge Shannon class all-weather lifeboat. The station will initially host the relief fleet’s Shannon, George and Frances Phelon, with Falmouth’s own Shannon lifeboat expected to arrive later in 2025.

Public Farewell Tours

As part of the farewell, the volunteer visits team is offering the public a final chance to tour the Severn class lifeboat. Free guided tours will take place on six days in January:

• Wednesday 8th
• Saturday 11th
• Sunday 12th (12:30pm – 3pm)
• Tuesday 14th
• Saturday 18th
• Sunday 19th (12:30pm – 3pm)

On other days, tours will run from 10am to 3pm. No booking is required; visitors can simply head to the station where guides will be available. For those unable to attend, pre-booked group and individual visits are also available year-round by emailing Falmouth_LBS_visits@rnli.org.uk.

A Lifeboat with a Storied History

Richard Cox Scott has been at the heart of some incredible rescues. Her first service came less than 24 hours after her launch, rescuing a working boat on its passage from Ponsharden to Cowlands Creek.

One of the most memorable moments in her history occurred in 2002, when Queen Elizabeth II named the lifeboat during her Golden Jubilee celebrations. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh toured the vessel and took a trip around the harbour.

The lifeboat’s most significant rescue came during a storm when the cargo vessel Galina lost all power and began drifting towards the coast. Falmouth’s crew, led by Coxswain Mark Pollard, succeeded in towing the vessel to safety. Mark received the RNLI Bronze Medal for his exemplary leadership and seamanship, while the crew were recognised with Medal Service Certificates.

Looking to the Future

Coxswain Jonathon Blakeston, who has served as the station’s full-time mechanic since 2013, acknowledged the emotional farewell:

“Richard Cox Scott has been a fabulous lifeboat and we are going to miss her. Before she leaves, we are hoping to have a get together for ex-crew members that served on her so that they can also say goodbye.”

Although her departure will be bittersweet, the station is eager to embrace the next chapter. Crew members are already training for the relief Shannon class lifeboat, which is expected to begin service early in 2025.

For Falmouth RNLI, this change signifies the end of an era but also a bold step forward in their mission to save lives at sea.

Photo: Falmouth’s Severn class all-weather lifeboat Richard Cox Scott on exercise in Falmouth Bay was taken in February 2002, two months after she placed on service at the station – Photo Credit: RNLI/Simon Culliford