Many lives have been lost by lifeboat crews going to the aid of people and vessels in distress at sea and around the coasts of Britain and Ireland (UK, Ireland, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), mainly but not exclusively in the service of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). More than 600 names are inscribed on the RNLI Memorial at RNLI HQ, Poole.[1] Some losses predate the RNLI (founded in 1824).
19th century
In the 19th century, lifeboats were almost exclusively oar and sail powered. Self-righting boats had been developed but were not yet widely adopted.
20th century
During the 20th century many advances were made in safety and durability of lifeboats, including self-righting and motor power. Life jackets were continuously being improved.
^"The RNLI Heritage Trust preserves the history of the RNLI". Archived from the original on 5 May 2014. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
^see: The Norfolk Chronicle. 27 November 1824. p.3.
^"Blyth Lifeboat - Station History". Retrieved 9 October 2020.
^"Dreadful Shipwreck". The Times. No. 18834. London. 30 January 1845. col F, p. 3.
^ a bHiggins, David (1987). The Beachmen. Terence Dalton Limited. p. 49-51. ISBN 0-86138-047-9.
^see: "The Late Life-boat Accident: The Norfolk News" 27 January 1866
^Wells-next-the-Sea Lifeboats. Author: Nicholas Leach & Paul Russell. Published by:Tempus Publishing Ltd, 2006. Work: Chapter 1.The first lifeboats at Wells – 1869 to 1888, page 14, Lifeboat Eliza Adams. ISBN 0 7524 3875 1
^"Station history | RNLI".
^ a b"Mumbles Lifeboat - History". Retrieved 9 May 2014.
^see: "Lifeboat Disaster at Yarmouth: The Eastern Daily Press" 12 November 1888
^Morris, Jeff (March 2004). The Closed Lifeboat Stations of Kent. Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society. pp. 22–27.
^"Peterhead Lifeboat Station - Geddes Plaque". Retrieved 9 May 2014.
^Elleray, D.R. (1998). A Millennium Encyclopaedia of Worthing History. Optimus Books. p. 144. ISBN 0-9533132-0-4.
^Hare, Chris (1991). Historic Worthing: The Untold Story. The Windrush Press. p. 186-187. ISBN 0-900075-91-0.
^"Losses to Shipping and Property". The Times. No. 42086. London. 29 April 1919. p. 7.
^"Notable Dates in History". The Flag in the Wind. The Scots Independent. Archived from the original on 23 May 2014. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
^"Emotions run high at lifeboat memorial service". 23 April 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
^Porch, Richard (2005). Swansea: History you can see. Tempus Publishing. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
^"Lifeboat disaster anniversary". Arbroath Herald. Retrieved 17 September 2013.
^"Service marks lifeboat deaths 60 years ago". HeraldScotland. 28 October 2013. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
