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Aldeburgh Lifeboats
The coast off Aldeburgh is treacherous: the many shoals and sandbanks, often swept by fierce gales, present a real danger to shipping. And during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries it was a busy seaway.
In 1825 the newly founded RNLI stationed a lifeboat at Sizewell, crewed mostly by Aldeburgh men. After twenty six years the station was moved down to Slaughden Quay, operating with a new self-righting boat with twelve oars named "Pasco".
The coast off Aldeburgh is treacherous: the many shoals and sandbanks, often swept by fierce gales, present a real danger to shipping. And during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries it was a busy seaway.
In 1825 the newly founded RNLI stationed a lifeboat at Sizewell, crewed mostly by Aldeburgh men. After twenty six years the station was moved down to Slaughden Quay, operating with a new self-
Life for the early lifeboat-men was harsh and dangerous. A fierce gale in 1855 wrecked or drove ashore seven vessels on the shoals. Newson Garrett was involved in this rescue and 35 year old Thomas Cable, was killed rescuing Newson when he became exhausted.
By 1890 the boat-house at Slaughden had to be abandoned due to erosion and the lifeboat was kept on the beach ¾ mile to the North.
Today's lifeboat is the "Freddie Cooper", seen right arriving on station in 1993, escorted by the retiring boat the "James Cable". She is launched by tractor and supported by an Inshore Lifeboat.
By 1890 the boat-
Today's lifeboat is the "Freddie Cooper", seen right arriving on station in 1993, escorted by the retiring boat the "James Cable". She is launched by tractor and supported by an Inshore Lifeboat.