RNLI’s Anthony retires after 40 years’ service

Portrush lifeboat teams gathered together recently, along with family and friends from other lifeboat crews from Ireland and Scotland, to mark the retirement of mechanic/coxswain Anthony Chambers after 40 years with the RNLI.
By Community Reporter
Published 12th Mar 2020, 05:54 BST
Anthony Chambers (centre) with Portrush RNLI colleaguesAnthony Chambers (centre) with Portrush RNLI colleagues
Anthony Chambers (centre) with Portrush RNLI colleagues

The Chambers family have been linked to Portrush Lifeboat Station for four generations - Anthony’s grandfather Karl, father Gilbert and brother Derek were mechanics on the Lifeboat before Anthony and his two nephews, Jason and Karl, followed the family tradition.

Anthony’s retirement celebrated his career, his retirement and remembered great rescues and the difference he has made to so many people.

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Anthony’s most memorable and heroic ‘shout’ was the rescue of two young boys from a cave in August 2009 against a rising tide.

Part of the account of the rescue stated: “Anthony fought against the elements in almost total darkness, being smashed against the cave wall...rescuing the boys one by one. It took him 30 minutes to complete the difficult and treacherous return swim twice with the rising tide against him.”

As a result, Anthony was presented with a bronze medal for gallantry in May 2010 by HRH Prince Michael of Kent at the Barbican in London, and fellow crew members with him on that night were presented with a Letter of Thanks from the RNLI.

It was a testament to Anthony’s popularity that Portrush Yacht Club was packed to capacity with ex-crew members, representatives from Lough Swilly, Red Bay, Larne, Ballyglass, Portpatrick and Donaghadee lifeboat stations.

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The formal part of the evening was introduced by MC and fellow Lifeboat Crew member Tim Nelson. Volunteer Coxswain Des Austin presented gifts on behalf of the crew and Keith Gilmore, Lifeboat Operations Manager, presented a Vellum and letter of thanks from Mark Dowie, the Chief Executive of the RNLI.

John Martin from the fundraising team also presented gifts on behalf of the team. Shirly Austin,

Beni McAllister, Honorary Secretary of Portrush Yacht Club, presented Anthony with a Life Membership in recognition of the Lifeboat Station’s close link with the club.

Related topics:RNLIPortrushIrelandScotland