Hartlepool Historic Lifeboat Faces the Scrapheap Unless a New Owner Can Be Found...
A Lifeboat That Saved 122 Lives Faces Destruction Unless a New Owner Comes Forward
10th October 2026
A historic Hartlepool lifeboat credited with saving 122 lives during decades of service could face being dismantled and disposed of unless a new owner can be found to save the vessel before the end of January 2027.
The RNLB The Princess Royal, a 46ft Watson-class motor lifeboat which served Hartlepool for almost 30 years, is being offered completely free of charge by Hartlepool Marina in a desperate attempt to preserve an important piece of the town's maritime history.
Built between 1938 and 1939 by J. Samuel White & Co. in Cowes, the lifeboat entered service at Hartlepool in 1939, just as Britain was entering the Second World War.
During her operational career, the vessel was credited with saving an astonishing 122 lives, including 94 while stationed at Hartlepool.
However, despite her remarkable history, the lifeboat has fallen into poor condition and now requires extensive restoration to prevent her being lost forever.
A Wartime Lifeboat With an Extraordinary History
The vessel, officially designated Civil Service No. 7 and carrying the official number ON 828, was named RNLB The Princess Royal in July 1941.
Her career included several significant wartime rescue operations, including the dramatic 1942 Hawkw ood rescue, during which the lifeboat's coxswain was awarded the RNLI Gold Medal for Gallantry.
The lifeboat also played a role in rescuing a Spitfire pilot whose aircraft had come down during the Second World War, with the Princess Royal remaining stationed at Hartlepool until 1968, before continuing in reserve service until 1976.
Following her retirement, the lifeboat eventually returned to Hartlepool in 2000, where she became a reminder of the town's proud maritime and lifesaving traditions.
In October 2004, the vessel was rededicated by HRH The Princess Royal, marking another significant chapter in her history.
Historic Vessel Now Offered Free of Charge
Despite her remarkable record, the historic lifeboat is now reported to be facing an uncertain future after Hartlepool Marina announced that it needs the space currently occupied by the vessel.
The marina is offering The Princess Royal free of charge to a suitable new owner who can demonstrate a realistic plan to relocate and restore her with the vessel being marketed towards potential custodians which could include maritime heritage organisations, preservation societies, museums or private enthusiasts with the necessary resources and experience.
The lifeboat measures approximately 46ft in length, with a beam of 12ft 9in, meaning transporting and restoring the vessel would be a substantial undertaking.
Her current condition is described as 'poor', with significant restoration work required.
However, marina officials believe the vessel still has the potential to become a magnificent heritage attraction or historic display, preserving the story of Hartlepool's maritime past for future generations.
Assistance with lifting the vessel from the water may also be available through the marina's boat hoist, should this be required.
Deadline Set for January 2027
The most concerning aspect of the announcement is the relatively short period remaining to secure the lifeboat's future, with the Hartlepool Marina confirming that it requires the space to be vacated by the end of January 2027, giving those interested in aquiring the vessel just a short period of time to register their interest. However, its claimed that unless a suitable new owner can be found and arrangements made to relocate the vessel before then, the marina says it will have no alternative but to arrange for her dismantling and disposal.
That would bring a permanent end to the story of a vessel which not only served Hartlepool throughout the Second World War but was responsible for saving more than a hundred lives during her working career.
Could the Lifeboat Become a Heritage Attraction?
The announcement raises questions about whether an opportunity exists for a local heritage organisation, museum or charitable group to take on the vessel and preserve her in Hartlepool given the scale of cutbacks recently reported by the nearby National Museum of the Royal Navy with the NMRN recently announcing plans to sell off its stake in the vision retail park in Hartlepool and cancelling multi million pound plans for expansion.
With a documented history stretching back more than 85 years, and a record of 122 lives saved, The Princess Royal has the potential to become an educational exhibit highlighting the bravery of the lifeboat crews who risked their lives to save others.
However, any restoration project would likely require substantial investment, suitable storage or display space, and the commitment of individuals or organisations capable of maintaining a historic wooden lifeboat.
Although the vessel itself is available free of charge, the costs associated with transportation, repairs and long-term preservation could be considerable.
For now, the priority remains finding somebody prepared to take responsibility for the vessel before the marina's January deadline.
