A brief history of Brighton Lifeboat

1998

The Walter and Elizabeth Groombridge Award for the most meritous service performed by an Atlantic 21 class lifeboat during 1997 was awarded to Helmsman Mark Smith and crew member Mark Hayes for the service on 7 December 1997.

1997

The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum acorded to Helmsman Mark Smith and crew member Mark Hayes and Framed Letter of Thanks signed by the Chairman of the Institution to crew members Berenice McCall and Anthony Parsons for a service to a man over board from the yacht 'Xanadu' on 7 December

1997

On 18 November the Atlantic 75 class lifeboat had been called on service. After searched for an hour in heavy surf conditions the lifeboat was caught by a large breaking sea and capsized. One crew member was thrown clear and was subsequently winched to safety by a coastguard helicopter.

The remaining crew managed to right the lifeboat but it capsized again close inshore and the boat and crew were washed ashore. Fortunately no one was seriously injured and the boat was recovered with remarkably little damage.

1997

New Atlantic 75 lifeboat B737 'Thelma Glossop' placed on service on 1 July