Volunteer who 'saved and inspired lives' steps down from lifeboat role

VOLUNTEER Robert Francis has hung up his lifejacket for the last time after almost 30 years with the RNLI.

- by OLIVIER VERGNAULT

The Isles of Scilly hotelier who first volunteered for the lifesaving charity with the Lizard lifeboat station 29 years and four months ago, launched his last lifeboat as deputy launch authority (DLA) for St Mary's RNLI Lifeboat Station.

From his recount of the evening of the Penlee Lifeboat disaster on December 19, 1981 to his fond memories of the crew he served alongside, it is clear how much the strong bonds he has built with those he served with over the years mean to him and the huge amount of respect between them.

Before 1975 Robert had tried previously to join the Lizard lifeboat but was told "we don't have people from Mullion I'm afraid".

Eventually, through illness and crew shortage he was approached and invited to sign up by the launch authority. As the only crew member with a radio licence he quickly became the mechanic: at the time this role also encompassed radio, chart table, navigator and radar.