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Name: Henry Frederick Swan

Certificate number: 2047

Status:

Registered

Function:

Service Vessel

Sub Functional Area:

Lifeboat

Type:

Location:

South Shields, Tyne & Wear, England

Current use:

Restoration

  • Length Overall:

    12.74 metres (41.80 feet)

  • Current Tonnage:

    14.50

  • Draught:

    1.22 metres (4.00 feet)

  • Beam:

    3.20 metres (10.50 feet)
Henry Frederick Swan - Henry Frederick Swan

Web address

Builder

History

Built in 1918 by S E Saunders of Cowes Isle of Wight, HENRY FREDERICK SWAN is a lifeboat of timber construction with a dipping lugsail and a BMC Commodore diesel engine. She was built as the Tynemouth lifeboat and served as such until 1939 when she was placed in reserve. She was recommissioned in 1941 when the existing lifeboat was bombed and served until 1947. At this time she was possibly the longest serving lifeboat in the UK.

After decommissioning she was presented to the Sea Scouts and later passed into private ownership, renamed WEARSIDER and then SURVIVAL. She was one of the first self righting lifeboats with ballast and flotation chambers.

These brief histories are compiled from details supplied by vessel owners and enthusiasts and from various reference works. National Historic Ships would be grateful for any corrections of facts or additional information for inclusion. Please contact ron.ellis@nationalhistoricships.org.uk

Subsequent developments

07/11/2008: Now based at Fishermans Workshop, South Shields and awaiting restoration after which she will become a floating museum exhibit for the North East Maritime Trust (Information from vessel owners)

Previous names

Bibliography