Farewell to Richard Cox Scott: Falmouth’s Lifeboat Waves Goodbye After 23 Years of Service

Falmouth Prepares for an Emotional Farewell

The RNLI Severn class lifeboat, Richard Cox Scott, is set to leave Falmouth for the last time on Friday, 31st January 2025, marking the end of a remarkable 23-year chapter at the station. After officially coming off service on Friday, 24th January, the much-loved vessel will embark on its final journey, escorted by a flotilla of working and recreational vessels through Falmouth’s harbour.

This farewell event will give the local community an opportunity to say their goodbyes, with viewing points scheduled along the route.

Timeline for the Farewell Flotilla

The farewell procession will be a day to remember, with approximate timings as follows:

• 11:00am – Richard Cox Scott departs from Pendennis Marina
• 11:20am – Passing by Prince of Wales Pier
• 11:30am – Flushing Sailing Club and Falmouth Boat Co.
• 12:00pm – St Mawes Harbour
• 12:30pm – A muster off Pendennis Point with lifeboats from The Lizard and Penlee
• 1:00pm – Final departure with escort until St Anthony’s Head

The lifeboat will stay overnight in Salcombe before continuing to the RNLI Lifeboat College in Poole the following day. Recreational water users are encouraged to join the flotilla, weather permitting, while land-based spectators can watch from designated spots.

Honouring Two Decades of Service

Since arriving at Falmouth in 2001, Richard Cox Scott has launched over 500 times and played a critical role in saving 12 lives. Highlights of its service include the rescue of the cargo vessel Galina in storm force conditions, for which Coxswain Mark Pollard received the RNLI Bronze Medal for fortitude and leadership.

The lifeboat was also honoured by a visit from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2002, who named the vessel as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Coxswain Jonathan Blakeston, who will lead the crew in the lifeboat’s final departure, reflected on the transition:

“It’s been really heartening to see how many people have wanted to come down and take a look, one last time around Richard Cox Scott. She is a fantastic lifeboat that has served our station well, and we will be sorry to say goodbye.

“We’re expecting it to be an emotional day on Friday, and we’d love to see as many of the local community as can make it to see her off in style.”

Welcoming the Shannon Class Lifeboat

Replacing Richard Cox Scott is the relief Shannon class lifeboat, George and Frances Phelon, which will go on service at Falmouth on Saturday, 25th January 2025. The Shannon, a state-of-the-art lifeboat built with cutting-edge technology at the RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat centre in Poole, represents the future of rescue operations.

Falmouth RNLI will continue using the Shannon as a relief lifeboat until the station receives its own Shannon class lifeboat later this year.

Photo: Falmouth’s Severn class lifeboat Richard Cox Scott – Credit: RNLI/Simon Culliford