The departure from Cowes RNLI lifeboat of one of its helms was marked with a presentation ceremony at the station recently.
Laurie Callaghan’s local lifeboat connection began back in 2007 when he joined the-then independent lifeboat as a prospective crew member. The following year he became a fully-fledged crew member.
Although he left before the RNLI took over the service in 2008, 2 years later he was back again and in 2014 he joined his father, Richard, as one of the station’s helms. Although Richard eventually retired as a helm, Laurie continued in the role until his work and personal commitments meant he was no longer available.
As a 2nd officer with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, he currently has a shore-based post at Portsmouth Dockyard and a home in North Somerset. In November he married Emily who is a 3rd officer with the RFA.
32-year-old Laurie says:
“My father encouraged me to join Cowes lifeboat and I have very good memories of my time here”.
Mark Southwell, Cowes RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, has praised Laurie’s seamanship and leadership while at Cowes. He’s said:
“Hopefully one day he will live near a lifeboat station and serve with the RNLI again”.
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