A lifeboat station in Cornwall has announced one of its members will be taking up a new post after the passing of a much-loved member of its crew.
With the passing of hugely respected Lifeboat Operations Manager, Andrew Munson, and the 40th anniversary of the loss of its lifeboat 'The Solomon Browne,' 2021 was a sad year for Penlee Lifeboat Station.
Andrew had been a part of the Penlee branch and it's lifeboats for over fifty years.
He had received the RNLI's 50 years service medal, the RNLI Gold Award in 2012 in recognition of his services to the RNLI and the RNLI's special award of binoculars.
Coxswain Patch Harvey said: "He was a rock who steadied the ship in difficult times."
Andrew was not only heavily involved with the RNLI, but also Newlyn Harbourmaster for over thirty years and the French Consular Agent for Cornwall, having helped many injured French fishermen with repatriation to France after their hospital care – for which he was awarded the French Honour of Knight of the Maritime Merit Order.
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He was a founder member of both the South West Ports Association and the UK Harbour Masters’ Association.
Andrew would often sit at the window of his house, overlooking the harbour, waiting for 'his' boat to come home after a 'shout'.
However, Penlee Lifeboat Station have said they are pleased to announce that Andrew's work will continue in the hands of another respected member of Penlee, David Pascoe.
David joined the crew in 1996 and has held various positions, including: ALB Crew from 1996 to 2003, ILB Crew 2000 to 2001, ILB B Class Helm from 2002 to 2021, Deputy Second Coxswain 2003 to 2008 and Second Coxswain 2008 to 2021.
As a man who has served from the grass roots David is well placed to take over as Penlee Lifeboat Operations Manager.
A spokesperson for Penlee Lifeboat Station said: "Our thoughts lie with Andrew's wife Carol and their children Fiona, Heidi and Samuel.
"We wish David the very best in his new post and a long service."
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