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Staithes & Runswick Lifeboat Station

Staithes is a small fishing village on the North Yorkshire coast with roots stretching back to a Viking settlement. During the Nineteenth century it was the largest fishing port on the North East coast with some 400 men and boys employed in fishing. Traditionally the fishermen provided a ready source for the lifeboat crews. However, the inshore fishing industry has declined and the lifeboat crews are now drawn from all walks of life.

The story of the Staithes & Runswick Lifeboats began in May 1866 when the first lifeboat was stationed at Runswick Bay.

In 1875 a lifeboat was stationed at Staithes. From then for many years the branch had two lifeboats. The Staithes station was closed from 1922 until 1928 and was again closed in 1938 when it was decided that the Runswick Boat could cover the two ports adequately. The Runswick boat at that time was the first motor lifeboat to be stationed at the branch.

The Always Ready was established at Runswick in 1933 and before she was christened by the Princess Royal she had been called to the rescue several times. The most noteworthy occasion was when the steamer Disperser was sinking in a severe gale and Coxswain Robert Patton made a gallant effort to save the last crewman. Coxswain Patton was badly injured and later died. He was posthumously awarded the Institutions Gold Medal. In his memory the lifeboat’s name was altered to Robert Patton - the Always Ready.