Harwich RNLI Lifeboat Station Pier

 lifeboat/lifesaving station, RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution - UK

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Station History

The first purpose built lifeboat to be stationed at Harwich was a pulling and sailing boat called the "Braybrooke". Built by George Graham, run by the Essex Lifeboat Association, was on station in 1821 and withdrawn in 1825.

In 1875 a meeting was convened in Harwich after the lost of the German steamer "Detschland" with a review to establishing a Lifeboat Station. Following a further wreck, the RNLI sent a lifeboat to Harwich without waiting foe the erection of a lifeboat house. The lifeboat was called the "Springwell" and was a self-righting type 35ft in length, 9ft in beam and crewed by 10 men. Miss E Burmester of London donated the "Springwell" which was built by "Woolfe of Shadwell". On 20th January 1881 the "Springwell" launched to the aid of the Dutch vessel "Ingerid". Seven lives were saved from the wreck and the Coxswain and crew were awarded medals by the Dutch Government. Unfortunately it turned over in 1881 with the lost of one crew member. It was immediately replaced by another boat of the same name but 10ft longer. Both these early self-righter's were looked upon with some suspicion by the crew, as they were not very stable in rough weather. The second "Springwell" served at Harwich until 1902.

Following the "Springwells" was a 43ft Watson class lifeboat called the "Ann Fawcett". This boat stayed at Harwich until No.1 station was closed in 1912.

In 1890 a second Harwich Lifeboat Station was opened. The first boat was called the "Duke of Northumberland" and was built in 1889. This was the first every steam 50ft lifeboat and was a revolutionarily design. Water was drawn in through the hull and forced out at great pressure through the vents in the side of the boat. During its short stay at Harwich it was moored afloat near Halfpenny Pier. This boat was transferred to Holyhead in 1892.


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