RNLI coxswain stands down after 35 years

John Stobbart joined the RNLI in 1987

A coxswain who was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2021 for his contributions to the RNLI is stepping down.

Workington RNLI's John Stobbart joined the lifeboat charity in 1987 and said it would always be "a part of his life".

He will continue in an operational role.

Lifeboat operations manager Tim Chittenden said Mr Stobbart had been an "integral part" of Workington RNLI.

'Team effort'

In December 2011, Mr Stobbart helped rescue fishing vessel George Lou-N when it broke down in Whitehaven's North Pier.

There was a severely injured man on board and the vessel was being battered against the pier in very strong winds.

Despite the weather conditions, it was safely brought through a narrow entrance and into the inner harbour without any damage being sustained.

In December 2000, John rescued fishing vessel Siskin and its three-strong crew.

He was accorded the Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum, an RNLI honour, for both rescues, but said it was "very much a team effort".

John acts a mentor to younger crew members

"The RNLI is all about working together and working as one," he said.

"I may be the coxswain of the all-weather lifeboat, but without every single member of the crew doing their bit, we wouldn't be able to go out to sea."

'Part of my life'

Mr Stobbart - whose father had fishing boats - joined the RNLI in 1987 after being invited to "have a go" by the then-coxswain Albert Brown.

"I have been into boats since I was a kid, once I had joined the lifeboat at Workington it soon became very much part of my life," Mr Stobbart said.

"The lifeboats, the people, the whole experience - it's had hard times and sad times, but mostly it's been a great life experience and pleasure to be involved and will certainly be a miss."

He added: 'The lifeboat will always be a part of my life and if I can continue to make a contribution I will do so."

Lifeboat operations manager Tim Chittenden said: "John has been an integral part of Workington RNLI for a long time and has dedicated himself to the charity.

"Workington RNLI relies on its volunteers and John is a shining example."