'THE SCOUT' continues to provide sterling service and the growth in trade at both Hartlepool and Tees Ports underlines the lifeboat's importance.
'THE SCOUT lifeboat is a 44' steel hulled, self righting, fast afloat Boat. She carries a crew of five and has capacity to carry twelve survivors. The Scout is a Waveny Class Lifeboat.
On November 9th 1985 the Dutch Coaster N.V. ANNE ran aground off Hartlepool on LONGSCAR ROCK in a North- Easterly Gale and heavy breaking 20' seas. The 44' Waveny Class Lifeboat 'THE SCOUT' was despatched to the coaster with Coxswain Robbie Maiden at the helm. The lifeboat made four runs into the stricken coaster taking off a crewman each time. Twice the lifeboat was swept by heavy seas which broke over and around the casualty and the lifeboat.
For this service the R.N.L.I. made the following awards:
| ROBBIE MAIDEN | COXSWAIN | BRONZE MEDAL |
| MECHANIC & CREW | INSTITUTES THANKS INSCRIBED ON VELLUM |
The GUIDE FRIENDSHIP III was replaced by another Atlantic 21 named this time 'BURTON BREWER ' in September 1986 from funds raised by the people of Burton-on-Trent. The Burton Brewer continues to give sterling service.
On 2nd December 1986 a great honour was bestowed on the lifeboat crew at Hartlepool. The crew were made 'Honorary Freemen of the Borough of Hartlepool'.
Robbie Maiden retired as coxswain and a celebratory dinner was held at the Borough Hall on Saturday 21st September 1991.
A great honour was bestowed on Robbie after his retirement, he was awarded the BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL.
Robbie was succeeded by his No 2 ERIC 'CURLY' REEVES who is the present Coxswain, and the first WEST DOCKER to be so appointed, the previous coxswains all coming from the Headland.
Hartlepool's Waveney Class lifeboat 'THE SCOUT' capsized twice while on service to the 97.000 ton tanker 'FREYA SVEA' which was dragging her anchor and eventually went aground in Severe Gale Force onshore wind on 28th February 1993.
The lifeboat was launched to escort Teesmouth's lifeboat back to station which had been knocked down and lost the use of one engine - and to take over standby duty. She was capsized by steep breaking seas while standing by the tanker in about 16m of water.
Contrary to some press reports at the time she righted herself in a matter of seconds on both occasions, although suffering some damage particularly to communications and navigational equipment.
One crew member was washed overboard and spent 35 minutes in the water before being recovered by a RAF helicopter. All crew are safe although some suffered minor injuries.
Both lifeboats stationed at Hartlepool continue to provide sterling service.
Copyright © 1997-2002 John Gruson