IT’S the vessel that has played a part in more than 2,000 rescues over two decades.

And now a Hampshire rescue team has waved a fond farewell to the David Brading, which has been used to save hundreds of lives over more than two decades.

Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue (GAFIRS) members paid tribute to the boat, which has been used in a number of life-saving rescues, at a special decommissioning ceremony.

Looking back on the boat’s career, GAFIRS vice chairman and coxswain Mike Allen says one incident particularly sticks in his mind.

He said: “We were paged to an incident off Osborne Bay on the Isle of Wight by the coastguard, who had received reports of a high-speed collision between two speedboats. Two females aboard had suffered life-threatening injuries.

“Two of our paramedics worked alongside the coastguard helicopter paramedic in complete darkness to stabilise the casualties sufficiently enough for them to be winched up in a very difficult formation.

“The coastguard commended us for our excellent performance both in boat handling and medical care.”

Mr Allen and his crew received a Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth Commendation in 2001 for the gruelling operation.

GAFIRS chairman Keith Thomas paid tribute to the boat, insisting it will be missed by its crew.

He said: “The David Brading has been in service for half the life of GAFIRS and has offered safe, reliable, life-saving service in that time. she will be sorely missed.”

The 7.4 metre rigid inflatable boat has been sold to Wells Harbour Company, a not-for-profit service in Norfolk, where it will be used to serve North Sea oil rigs.

And coxswain Peter Brown spoke glowingly of the vessel, highlighting how many lives it has been used to save.

He said: “I’ve launched the DB on hundreds of jobs and she has always delivered the goods quickly, quietly and effectively even in the most appalling of sea conditions.

“There are literally hundreds of people alive and well today thanks to the crew of GAFIRS using the David Grading.

“After her outstanding service it is really sad to see her go, especially when we all know she will undoubtedly be a very hard act to follow."