Bembridge’s John Attrill is continuing a family tradition of being a lifeboat crewman, not only as the village’s lifeboat mechanic but now as an inshore lifeboat helm too.
John joined Bembridge RNLI in 2019 as a full-time mechanic, working to ensure that both the All Weather and inshore lifeboats are ready to launch at a moment’s notice. He has recently added another string to his bow having passed out as a D-class inshore lifeboat helm.
John is not the 1st member of the Attrill family to don a lifejacket and go to sea to rescue those in peril… he has family links going way back to the inaugural lifeboat at Bembridge in 1867.
Joey, John’s great-great-great grandfather, was coxswain of Bembridge Lifeboat from 1878 to 1905.
On 9th March 1888, the 3-masted SS Sirenia ran aground on the Atherstone Ledge (about half way between St Catherine’s Point and Freshwater). History relates that when the Sirenia came ashore, Moses Munt, coxswain of the Brighstone Lifeboat, contacted Joey to tell him of the wrecking. Joey and 2nd coxswain James Baker immediately set off to cover the 15 miles to Atherfield on foot in their leather sea boots to see if they could assist in any way. On arrival they found out the sad news that on her 2nd trip to the Sirenia, the Brighstone Lifeboat had capsized and Moses Munt and 2nd coxswain Tom Cotton – plus 2 crew from the Sirenia – had been lost.
In true heroic style, Joey immediately volunteered with others to man the lifeboat for a 3rd, successful trip out to the Sirenia and the remaining crew were safely brought ashore. On completion Joey and James walked back to Bembridge. The Brooke Lifeboat was also involved in the rescue and also capsized, sadly losing 2nd coxswain Reuben Cooper.
John’s father, Alan, and his uncle, Geoff, were crew of the Bembridge Inshore lifeboat when in August 1993 they rescued the 3 crew from the yacht Bari that had run aground on the Bembridge Ledge, at night, in bad weather. Helmsman Alan subsequently received Thanks of the Institution Inscribed on Vellum for the service and Geoff received a Vellum Service certificate.
In May 1994, the same crew rescued the 3 crew from the motor cruiser Jade that had also run aground, again at night, on the Bembridge Ledge in rough seas. They both subsequently received signed Letters of Thanks from the Chairman of the RNLI.
John has lived all his life in Bembridge and is married to Amy. His 8-year-old son Teddy is already well-versed in all things to do with Bembridge RNLI and there are hopes he will too join Bembridge RNLI when he comes of age.
