RNLI lifeboat marks 30 years of service in Anstruther

During this time, she has launched to those in need 492 times, rescuing 552 people and has saved a remarkable 39 lives.

Bryan Adams’ was enjoying a seventh week as the UK number one in August 1991, and in Anstruther, a state-of-the-art lifeboat arrived at her new home for the very first time.

The pier was lined with cheering supporters as Coxswain, Peter Murray MBE, and his crew, sailed the lifeboat into the harbour.

The arrival was hugely significant. The older lifeboat, an Oakley class had been on service in the town since 1965. With the deck exposed to the elements and a top speed of eight-knots, this new lifeboat would provide shelter for the crew whilst halving the response time.

Describing the day the lifeboat arrived in Anstruther 30 years ago, Peter Murray MBE said: “I joined the RNLI in 1961 and was here for the duration of the Oakley’s time here.

"Being Coxswain of the Mersey class lifeboat that day was incredible. It is probably the best thing I’ve ever done in my lifetime. I felt 10-foot tall bringing her into Anstruther.”

Looking on from the shore was one of the town’s newest volunteer recruits, Michael Bruce. Michael joined the RNLI in 1991, age 16.

Fast-forward 30 years, he now leads the team onboard the Mersey class lifeboat as Coxswain and, in a fittingly sentimental continuation of tradition, will sail the new Shannon class lifeboat into Anstruther in a couple of years’ time.

During Michael’s time in the RNLI, he has spent over 637 hours at sea on rescue missions, saving 21 lives.

Michael said: “Looking back to 1991, never in my wildest dreams did I think that I’d have the honour to lead this team of volunteers aboard the Mersey here in Anstruther.

"Sailing under the command of Peter Murray was instrumental for me and my development. I’m extremely proud to be coxswain of this lifeboat 30 years on and continue to save lives at sea.”

The volunteer crew have taken part in a variety of rescues during the last 30 years.

In 1991, they rushed to the aid of a fisherman in Anstruther harbour after his boat was destroyed during a gas explosion.

In 2013, the lifeboat launched and located a missing diver who was separated from his group near to the Isle of May.

And in 2017, volunteers saved the life of a young boy who had fallen over 20ft from cliffs near Elie.

Lifeboats in the town have come a long way since the days of the eight-knot Oakley lifeboat.

With a 25-knot Shannon class lifeboat due in the next few years, the team in Anstruther will go from strength to strength in rescuing those in need.

As we raise a glass to the Mersey and all who’ve sailed on her, we reflect on the 492 rescues she has completed. We celebrate with the 552 people she has aided and are thankful for the 39 lives she has saved.

In the words of Bryan Adams back in 1991, “You know it’s true. Everything I do, I do it for you” - and the very same can be said for Anstruther RNLI in keeping those safe in and around the waters of the town.

FACT FILE: Anstruther is home to one of the UK’s busiest waterways. Its volunteers are looking forward to enhancing their service when a new Shannon lifeboat arrives on station in 2023. But it won’t fit in their existing boathouse and they urgently need a new base to continue their lifesaving mission.

Your kindness today can give people the best chance of survival by helping to fund a new, purpose-built lifeboat station that will boost lifesaving here for generations to come.

Why we need you onboard:

Anstruther’s volunteer crews have been rescuing people off the east coast of Fife since 1865. They have launched well over 1,000 times, saved more than 250 lives and received five medals for gallantry. Today they urgently need a new, purpose-built station with modern facilities for casualties, crew and craft.

The RNLI is a charity and funded by donations. That’s why the crew are counting on your generosity today to help meet the £100,000 fundraising target towards the cost of this new building. It’s an exciting project and a chance for you to be part of an enduring legacy.

By helping to fund this new station, you’ll be enhancing search and rescue in the area. You’ll be creating a community hub for water safety and education activities. You’ll be standing with the crew and making a lifesaving difference.

You’ll be helping to build a new station and slipway, ideally positioned in the harbour for efficient launching and recovery of inshore and all-weather lifeboats. You’ll enable slicker operations and improved crew safety, training and comfort. You’ll also be creating an outstanding community and visitor hub, boosting water safety and education work and helping to reduce drowning across the East Neuk of Fife.

You can make a donation now at: https://bit.ly/3yXmR4J