There is a small band of ‘those that go down to the sea in ships’ who other sailors most respect and have reason to give much thanks. Our Lifeboatmen. They bring into sharp focus everything that is the ethos of the sea; a can-do courage, professionalism, and an innate desire to go to those in distress.
Mountainous seas seem far removed from the grouse moors or shooting range, and so you may be surprised to learn that at least two Gunmakers are Lifeboatmen, Renter Warden Graham Hill and Past Master Chris Price. Mr Price has just completed writing his first ‘Lifeboat Book’, about his experiences over 28 years at Coverack and Falmouth.
In his foreword he mentions the many hundreds of ‘shouts’ and the emotional and physical challenges described from the perspective of a crew member. Despite seasickness, he has got on with it and like all Lifeboatmen he has seen the power of nature at sea, tragedy and death and how it bonds a crew. There are lighter moments too.
Read the full foreword … here …