History of lifeboat
The following is taken from a document compiled by
Angus Oag Press officer for the Thurso lifeboat.
THURSO LIFEBOAT STATION
(Established 1860)
This station covers the south side of the Pentland Firth
and the north coast of Scotland from Duncansbay Head to
Cape Wrath. It has performed many good services.
BRIEF NOTES
1830
Silver Medal awarded to John Morgan, Coastguard, for the
rescue by rope of the crew of five of the Brig "Mary" of
Stornoway which was wrecked off Thurso on 11th January
1830.
1835
Silver Medal to Mr Benjamin Sinclair for the rescue by a
small boat, of the crew of six of the Schooner "Hunter"
of Leith on 8th December 1834
1840
Silver Medal awarded to Mr John Smith for the rescue, by
going into the Surf, of seven men from two fishing boats
on 3rd May 1840
1848
Silver Medal awarded to Mr Robert Williamson, a
fisherman, for the rescue by the use of ropes of five
seamen from the "Britannia" on 23rd August 1847,
1856
Silver Medal awarded to Mr Donald Thompson for putting
off on two occasions and rescuing at considerable risk
to himself, two of the crew of the Russian Brig "Ahti"
on 26th September 1856
1860
Lifeboat House was constructed at a cost of £ 103.
1860
In October the First Lifeboat arrived to the new boat
house. The new lifeboat was called the "Polly" and was
built by Forsett of Limehouse in London and was paid for
by Mr A.W. Jaffary at a cost of £148-19-0 plus £67-8-0
for the launching carriage.
The first coxswain was Mr John Brims who held the post
for 34 years. The Polly was in service between 1860 and
1871, had six launches, rescued 49 lives and cost
£148-19s
1876
Alterations to the slipway at a cost of £50-0-0.
1871
The lifeboat Charley Lloyd is delivered a legacy of
Charles Lloyd of Kennington, London
The Charley LLoyd was in
service between 1871 -1890 had 31 launches, 255 lives
rescued and cost £284 - 15s1877
Signal gun was supplied.
1886
Silver Medal awarded to Coxswain John Brims in
recognition of his long and valuable services.
1890
The Co-operative No3 ON282 was delivered, a self righter, a
gift from the Co-operative union
The Co-operative no3 served between 1890-1909, was
launched 22 times, 24 lives rescued and cost £594-00
1894
Second-Service Clasp (Bar) to the Silver Medal awarded
to John Brims, who resigned because of age after 34
years as coxswain and who had assisted in the rescue of
304 lives.
1901
The launching carriage was withdrawn.
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