Calshot RNLI bid “bon voyage” to lifeboat Willett after 12 years’ service

Calshot RNLI crews said “bon voyage” to lifeboat Willett at a special retirement ceremony.

The class-D vessel had been in service for 12 years and played key role in dealing with jetski rescues, vessels grounding and a light aircraft crash.

A ceremony to bid a fond farewell to the boat was attended by the Peters family, who donated it to the RNLI.

An RNLI spokesperson said: “Willett was named in honour of Ken, the late husband of longtime RNLI supporter Sheila Peters.

“Wanting a slightly quirky name, Sheila decided to name the boat after their first car, which was notoriously temperamental, hence ‘Will It Start?’”

Fortunately, Willett did start for 366 emergency “shouts” during its operational lifetime – spending 504 hours at sea, helping 263 people and saving nine lives.

The retirement ceremony began with volunteer crews welcoming Sheila, and her daughters and granddaughter, into the station while singing a shanty.

The Peters family were then presented with a certificate detailing Willett’s contribution to saving lives at sea, before a blessing of thanks was read and she was launched on exercise for the final time.

Volunteer lifeboat operations manager Jane Banting said: ‘Willett has been a part of Calshot lifeboat station for over a decade and has been instrumental in helping many people.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Peters family for their generosity in funding Willett throughout her operational lifespan and it was a pleasure to meet them in person today to give Willett the send-off that she deserves.”

Willett will now be taken to the Inshore Lifeboat Centre in Cowes, where she will be put through a series of tests to see if she is suitable for conversion to a boarding boat.

If not, all viable component parts will be reused for inclusion in future boat builds.