Aldeburgh Museum Online

Aldeburgh Lifeboats

The coast of Aldeburgh is treacherous: the many shoals and sandbanks, often swept by fierce gales, present a real danger to shipping. And during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries it was a busy seaway.

In 1825 the newly founded RNLI stationed a lifeboat at Sizewell, crewed mostly by Aldeburgh men. After twenty-six years the station was moved to Slaughden Quay, operating with a new self-righting boat with twelve oars  named Pasco .

The Pasco

Life for the early lifeboat-men was harsh and dangerous. There was no shelter on board, the crews were regularly wet through and frozen cold for long periods, and had to fight against wind and tide without the benefit of an engine.

The City of Winchester

Relatives and friends anxiously awaiting the return of the City of Winchester.

The Aldeburgh being launched in a rough sea with the aid of long poles and brute strength.

The lifeboat Aldeburgh was said to be unsinkable but after 9 years of service and after saving  at least 152 lives she capsized during a rescue, trapping 6 of her crew underneath. Frantic efforts were made, both to hack through the hull and to lift the boat, but all in vain. The trapped men all drowned and a seventh man died of injuries a few days later.

For further information about the Aldeburgh Lifeboat please visit their website