Spencer Robertson, Penlee Lifeboat tributes paid

It was announced on the Penlee Lifeboat's Facebook page that Spencer Robertson had 'crossed the bar' leaving behind his wife Rosie and daughters Polly and Lucy.

Mr Spencer was an experienced seaman and served as a lifeboat crew member for ten years but spent most of his life as fisherman.

The post on Facebook said: "It is with great sadness that we are announcing the passing of former Penlee Lifeboat Crewman Spencer Robertson aged 50.

"Spencer served over ten years as crewman on the all-weather lifeboat but also helmsman on the Inshore lifeboat, he was a very experienced seaman having spent most of his life as a fisherman in Newlyn."

Picture: Penlee RNLI

Coxswain Patch Harvey says, “Spencer was a lifelong friend of mine and good friends with many current and ex crew, we were very lucky to have him on the crew here, he was a proper lifeboatman and just the person you want on board with you on a poor night. He was full of fun, stubborn as a mule at times and just a great person to be around, we are going to miss him immensely”. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Rosie, daughters Polly and Lucy, and parents Graham and Madeleine."

Picture: Penlee RNLI

Among those offering their condolences were lifeboat stations from around the UK, including Falmouth Lifeboat Station who offered "Sincere condolences from us to you all."

Hundreds of people made their feelings known in the comments section.

Tom Mansell said: "Terrible news. One of those gents who always had a smile, saw fun in everything and knew how to make a team work. Cheers Spence."

Jono Waite said: "Worked with Spencer onboard PZ100 semper allegro, what an amazing guy and Yea being in a force 9 he was a great guy to have about,".

While Nick Downing said: "Extremely sad, I've known Spencer all my life since being brought up in Mousehole. Always friendly and always said hello when we met. My thoughts go out to all of his family."

Picture: Elaine Bawden/Penlee RNLI