William and Kate Johnston Ex-New Brighton Lifeboat returns to the Mersey. 13th May 2024

William and Kate Johnston is 60ft long with a beam of 15ft and has the capacity of holding 130 casualties
In this historic voyage, the former New Brighton lifeboat is accompanied by the current New Brighton RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat and volunteer crew.
heading for Sandon Dock where further survey works and restoration can take place whilst vital fundraising efforts continue.
The William & Kate Johnston served New Brighton RNLI from 1924-1950, launching 96 times and saving 248 lives. At the time of her service, she was the biggest lifeboat in
existence, being one of only four Barnett-class lifeboats in use.
The William & Kate Johnston Preservation Society (WKJPS) has been set up to see this heritage asset restored to her former glory and returned to the Mersey, to serve as a museum piece and working vessel on the river for day trips and community groups to take advantage of, whilst learning about her splendid history.The WKJPS, having already acquired the vessel, divided the task of the lifeboat’s return and restoration into several key phases. Phase one involved the raising of funds to return the lifeboat, by road, from her previous home on the south coast. Following a swell of
local support, including generous donations from local New Brighton businesses, the
boat was returned to Merseyside safely, where initial maintenance works could take place. Now, with a treated and repainted hull and serviced engines and fuel lines, she is
ready to make her return to the river that she called home for so many years once again. Dan Wardle, former New Brighton RNLI helm and Director of WKJPS, said:
‘It has been a long and tricky journey so far, with plenty of challenges and hiccups, and there’s still a long way to go yet.

[@DCFH.Aviation]

Thanks for sharing, Paul.

[@veryhighguy]

great to be part of