Folk Tales Season 4: Episode 5 - Getting to know the Charles Henry Lifeboat

In this episode of Folk Tales we uncover the history of the famous former lifeboat, The Charles Henry. We are joined by James Tyler,  one of the owners of The Charles Henry who sits down with David Hirst at Royal Quays Marina to share the story of this incredible vessel. 

The Charles Henry is an ex-RNLI Oakley 48 Class lifeboat. There were only five such lifeboats built, and she is now the only Oakley Class 48 lifeboat afloat having been lovingly restored by the father and son team of Mark and James Tyler. The Tylers acquired the vessel in unusual circumstances - they saw it for sale on eBay! 

The Charles Henry was built in 1968 and her official number was 1015, and her operational number was 48-12.  She saw service with the RNLI at Selsey from 1969 until 1983, and was then stationed at Baltimore in Co. Cork between 1983 and 1987.  Her penultimate service was in 1986 when she went to assist the ore-carrier MV Kowloon Bridge off the coast of Cork in what was described as a "phenomenal sea state".  

Mark and James are now the owners of the Charles Henry and have plans to share this historic boat with the local community in North East England. As a professional marine engineer, James is well qualified to be custodian of the Charles Henry and shares his passion in this episode of Folk Tales.

Happy Listening! 

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