Farewell to Calshot lifeboat involved in Hoegh Osaka drama

A major rescue operation was launched after the 51,000-tonne car transporter Hoegh Osaka ran aground on the Brambles Bank on January 3 2015.

The 590ft vessel was carrying more than 1,400 vehicles when she developed a severe list and was deliberately beached to prevent her from sinking.

Lifeboats and a helicopter rescued the 25 crew, one of whom was taken to hospital after breaking a leg.

Members of the Peters family attend a ceremony marking the retirement of the lifeboat Willett (Image: Justyn Leonard/RNLI)

Hoegh Osaka became a major tourist attraction, with thousands of people lining the banks of the Solent to catch a glimpse of the stricken vessel.

Weeks later she was towed to Southampton before making her way to Falmouth in Cornwall for repairs.

READ MORE: Hoegh Osaka returns to Southampton for the first time being stranded in the Solent

Now, one of the boats involved in the rescue operation has been taken out of service after reaching the end of its operational life.

Members of Calshot RNLI bid a fond farewell to the D-class Willett in a ceremony attended by the Peters family, who donated the craft.

Members of the Peters family attend a ceremony marking the retirement of the lifeboat Willett (Image: Justyn Leonard/RNLI)

Willett commemorated the late Ken Peters, whose widow Sheila is a long-time supporter of the RNLI. She named it after their first car, which was so temperamental it was known as "Will It Start?"

During 12 years at Calshot, the lifeboat carried out 366 rescue missions, helping 263 people and saving nine lives.

READ MORE: Investigation launched after light aircraft plunges into the sea off Calshot Spit

The farewell ceremony began with members of the volunteer lifeboat crew welcoming Sheila, her daughters Kim and Julie, and her granddaughter Stephanie. They also sang a sea shanty to the tune of Haul Away Joe, with lyrics written by lifeboat operations manager Jane Banting. 

The family was presented with a certificate detailing Willett’s contribution to saving lives at sea before the boat was launched on exercise for the last time.

The RNLI lifeboat Willett has been taken out of service after reaching the end of its operational life (Image: RNLI)

Jane said: "Willett has been a part of Calshot lifeboat station for over a decade and has been instrumental in helping many people.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Peters family for their generosity in funding Willett throughout her operational lifespan. It was a pleasure to meet them in person and give Willett the send-off she deserves."

In 2015 the lifeboat went to the aid of people who were aboard a V40 powerboat when it overturned off Calshot Castle.

Three years ago she helped prevent vessels from colliding with a light aircraft that plunged into the sea near Calshot Spit.