RNLI Honours Lifeboat Manager

VOLUNTEERS made a special trip to honour the legacy of a man who dedicated decades of his life to The RNLI in Southend.

Colin Sedgwick MBE, who was a Leigh-based Lifeboatman and owner of Mike’s Boat Years in the Old Leigh, sadly passed away earlier this year, aged 81.

In late, current volunteers Iain Keenan, Nick Snelling, Tony Bonham, and Lee Sturgeon from Southend RNLI made a special trip to Weymouth to visit the restored Gallichan, formerly known as Greater London II, a lifeboat which Colin was once a crew member of.

Colin joined the Royal National Lifeboat Institute on his 16th birthday in 1958, inspired by his love of the sea from his youth with the Chalkwell Bay Sea Scouts.

In his first year, Colin received the Royal Humane Society certificate for helping save a life at sea when a speedboat sank.

Serving as a helm on the inshore lifeboats, a crew member on the Greater London II, and ultimately becoming the Lifeboat Operations Manager, Colin’s contributions were instrumental in shaping the station’s future.

The visit to Weymouth allowed the volunteers an opportunity not only to reconnect with a historical lifesaving vessel, but to pay tribute to Colin.

Southend RNLI volunteer Iain Keenan commented: “The trip to Weymouth was very special, it wasn’t just about the historic lifesaving connection or seeing and steering our last all-weather lifeboat.  It was also a very special tribute to Colin Sedgwick.”

The boat’s current owners Mike and Carol Clark invited Southend RNLI up for the day, with the crew enjoy a trip out of Weymouth harbour towards Lulworth Cove on the historic vessel, which over its working life saved an incredible 160 lives.

Mr. Keenan added: “We wore our RNLI jumpers for the day and raised a glass on the bow of the former Southend lifeboat that Colin had served and saved lives on.

“Colin was even onboard for the final launch on 28 March, 1976. Thanks to Mike and Carol for such a memorable day.”

Picture: The last launch at Southend for Greater London II, with Colin Sedgwick standing at the mast. Pic Southend RNLI

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