History of lifeboat page 3

The following is taken from a document compiled by Angus Oag Press officer for the Thurso lifeboat.

THURSO LIFEBOAT STATION
 

1957

The Pentland (civilservice No31) Watson-Motor ON940 was delivered to replace ON920 which was destroyed by fire. This was supplied by the Institution.

The Pentland served between 1957-1970, was launched 49 times saved 15 lives and cost £34,346

1960

A Centenary Vellum was awarded to the Thurso Lifeboat Station.

1970

The Three Sisters (Solent) ON1014 was delivered. The cost of this lifeboat was defrayed by an anonymous gift from three sisters.

The Three Sisters served between 1970 - 1988, was launched 98 times, saved 24 lives and cost £65,000.

1971

H.M. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother named the new Thurso Lifeboat "The Three Sisters" at the Hotel Quay, Scrabster Harbour, on 11th August.

1981

On 23rd November 1981 a decision was made at a meeting held in the Central Hotel to amalgamate the men's committee with the Ladies Guild to the Thurso Branch under the Chairmanship of Richard Cardosi.

1982

The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum accorded to Second Coxswain John Manson in recognition of his seamanship and determination when the lifeboat "The Three Sisters" under his command gave assistance to the fishing vessel "Coronella" which was making water just West of the men of Mey in a strong westerly wind and a rough sea on the 7th September 1982.

1982

The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum accorded to Coxswain William Ross Farquhar (Billy) in recognition of his seamanship and determination when the lifeboat "The Three Sisters" under his command gave assistance to the Trawler "Arctic Crusader" which broke adrift in Scrabster Harbour and, being unable to start her engines, was carried rapidly towards the beach in a north westerly storm and a very rough sea coxswain Farquhar took the lifeboat into the white, foaming water in the full knowledge that they would have only one opportunity of rescuing the crew of the fishing vessel. They got alongside and found no one on the deck they believed that there was five aboard but found only two engineers who were trying to start the engine. The boat was towed out to deep water to get her engine started. 16th November 1982

1989

H.M. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother named the new Thurso Lifeboat "The Queen Mother" at Scrabster Harbour on 9th August.

The Queen Mother (Arun) ON1149. Cost of lifeboat met from the bequest of Miss Sarah Sinclair Gray and the Institution's funds

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