Registration number 2286
Status Registered
a12admin

Details

Function Service Vessel
Subfunction Lifeboat
Location Seaham
Vessel type Liverpool Class Lifeboat
Current use Ongoing conservation
Available to hire No
Available for excursions No

Construction

Builder Groves & Gutteridge Ltd, Cowes
Built in 1949
Hull material Wood
Rig None
Number of decks 1
Propulsion Motor
Number of engines 1
Primary engine type Diesel
Boiler type None
Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam
10.80 feet (3.29m)
Depth
3.00 feet (0.92m)
Length: Overall
35.60 feet (10.86m)

History

Built in 1949 by Groves & Gutteridge of Cowes, Isle of Wight, GEORGE ELMY is a lifeboat of timber construction. She was in service with the RNLI from 1949 to 1972 when she was decommissioned. As the Seaham lifeboat, she was involved in a tragic accident in 1962 when five crew and four fishermen were lost.

She underwent restoration on the river Tyne to be used as a living artefact for school children and visitors.  In March 2013 it was announced that the historic lifeboat is set to sail to her home port of Seaham for the first time in 50 years, following completion of the project. The campaign to restore the Liverpool-class historic vessel secured £91,500 in donations and a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Since the completion of the project George Elmy has been on display at the East Durham Heritage & Lifeboat Centre within Seaham Harbour Marina. 

Key dates

  • 1949

    Built by Groves and Gutteridge of Cowes on the Isle of Wight as a Lifeboat

  • 1950

    She was the Lifeboat at Seaham Harbour where she rescued 20 people in 12 years

  • 1962

    She capsized after rescuing a fishing coble and only one survived

  • 1962-1972

    She served as a Relief Vessel

  • 2009

    Purchased by present owner

  • 2013

    After restoration at Fred Crowell’s Boatyard, she sailed to Seaham

  • 2017

    She is undergoing further restoration at Seaham where she will be used as a living artifact for visitors

Grants

  • 2010/11

    The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded £50,000 for learning opportunities

Own this vessel?

If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk

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