Lifeboat ‘Child of Hale’ (1) (1879-1886)
The first Fleetwood lifeboat called ‘Child of Hale‘ arrived on station at Fleetwood September 1879. This lifeboat was 34 foot long, 8 foot 6 inches beam and self-righting. She was built at Woolfe boatyard Shadwell, London, at a cost of £363. The funding was a gift from Colonel William Blackburne of Leamington Spa who was a native of Hale, near Liverpool. The balance of the gift was used to fund a new lifeboat-house and slipway costing £450. This boathouse and slipway was constructed to the south of the present Knott-End ferry jetty.
Record of Service Rendered by lifeboat Child of Hale (1879-1886)
February 16th, 1882. ‘Venus’ of Helsingborg aground on Shell Wharf Bank. Rescued 9 men plus the Master’s wife, young son and woman servant. Two days later the lifeboat helped refloat the vessel and brought into docks. Lifeboat towed by tug ‘Relief’.
January 27th 1883. Steamer ‘Eden’ of West Hartlepool. Aground on Sunderland Bank. 25 people on board. Stood-by until refloated. One lifeboatman went onboard to pilot to Glasson.
August 10th, 1883. Norwegian Barque ‘Jenny’ landed pilot from disabled barque. Later tug Fylde towed her into harbour.
October 24th, 1884. Barque ‘Blackwell’ of London. Aground on North side of Lune Channel.
November 6th, 1886. Sloop ‘Pennington’ of Liverpool. Rescued 2 crew. Vessel later became a total wreck.
November 26th, 1886. Brig ‘Olga’ of Frederikstadt. In collision with barque ‘Ruth Topping’ of Liverpool. 10 lifeboat-men put on Ruth Topping to help pump but Ruth Topping’s nine crew plus Pilot were taken on board lifeboat. Olga then escorted into Fleetwood docks. Ruth Topping still afloat next day and lifeboat with extra crew brought her back to port.
Fleetwood Lifeboats Past 