17/09/2026
We'll be there! Will you?
These are the words of one of our crew. It hasn’t always been easy to put into words what we are thinking but this does a great job of it:
“To all my friends and family - please come and join the crew, the town and our wider community as we say goodbye to Ilfracombe’s All-Weather Lifeboat, 13-09 Barry & Peggy High Foundation.
“For the volunteers at Ilfracombe RNLI, she is far more than just a lifeboat. Members of this station have given weeks, months, years — and for some, decades — of their time, dedication and commitment to saving lives at sea.
“The last year in particular has been a huge chapter for the station. Preparing for the arrival of our Atlantic 85, which is an amazingly capable lifeboat.
“Undertaking the training and adapting to a very different way of operating has demanded an incredible amount from everyone. But it has also brought the crew closer together and strengthened the passion and teamwork that make this station what it is.
“It will be incredibly sad to watch 13-09 leave Ilfracombe for the final time, and I know she holds a lot of memories for the crew, our families and the town.
“But while the lifeboat may be changing, our purpose isn’t. We’ll continue giving our time, training and commitment to helping those who need us at sea and along our coastline.
“Please come down and help us give 13-09 the send-off she deserves.
“Here’s to the next chapter of Ilfracombe RNLI.”⚓️🛟
