Fleetwoods First Lifeboat
Captain Edward Wasey R.N., the Fleetwood Coastguard Inspecting Officer played a pivotal role in getting the first lifeboat stationed at Fleetwood, following his appeal to the recently formed Lifeboat Institution.
The new lifeboat arrived from London by railway in February, 1859. She was 30 feet long and 6 foot 3 inches beam; a six oared ‘Peake’ class self-righting lifeboat, built at a boatyard in Limehouse, London.
Fleetwood’s first lifeboat does not appear to have been given a name and only went out on nine service launches during her three years at the port. But she and her crew saved 32 lives and placed Fleetwood firmly on the map at R.N.L.I. headquarters. Captain Wasey played a leading role in all this ashore and afloat and was awarded no less than three silver medals by the Institution for his courage and skill.
Although this lifeboat was on-station for only a little over 3 years, it was involved in 7 rescue launches, three of which were award winning services, rescuing 27 persons in very stormy weather from the wrecked vessels – Ann Mitchell of Montrose, the Catherine, of Newry, the Jane Roper, of Ulverston; and the barque Vermont, of Halifax.
Captain Wasey had accompanied Coxswain Fox on each occasion in the lifeboat. For his part in these rescues Captain Wasey was awarded by the National Lifeboat Institution a Silver Medal and subsequently two silver clasps to his Silver Medal.
Record of Service Rendered by the un-named first Fleetwood Lifeboat lifeboat (1859-1862)
August 30th, 1859. First call out Sir Colin Campbell WNW gale. Ship reached port unaided.
January 22nd, 1860. Schooner Ann Mitchell of Montrose ran aground and total wreck – rescued sole survivor. Coxswain John Fox and Captain Edward Wasey Silver Medal.
January 23rd 1860. Schooner Jane Roper saved 5.
February 19th, 1860. Schooner Catherine of Newry. Full gale, heavy snow, violent seas. Saved 6. Captain Edward Wasey Second Silver Medal.
October 20th, 1860. Barque Vermont of Nova Scotia, wrecked on Bernard Wharf. Violent WNW gale. Saved 15 plus Pilot. Captain Wasey 3rd Silver Medal.
November 2nd, 1860 Sloop Britannia of Barrow. Aground on North Wharf. Ultimately lifeboat not needed.
November 11th, 1860. Brig Sister Anne of Whitehaven. Reported in difficulties on Bernard Wharf. Ultimately lifeboat not required.
October 23rd, 1862. Loss of first Fleetwood Lifeboat.
October 27th, 1862. Barque Pudyona of Glasson. No lifeboat on station. Captain William Swarbrick in Tug Wyre rescued crew
Fleetwood Lifeboats Past 