New lifeboat christened David Radcliffe in Calshot ceremony

Named after a Hampshire businessman who died four years ago, the 16ft David Radcliffe responded to two incidents that occurred less than 60 minutes apart.

It happened the day after Mr Radcliffe's son Mark formally handed the boat over to Jamie Chestnutt, the RNLI's director of engineering and supply.

He in turn handed it over to Jane Banting, lifeboat operations manager at Calshot.

Calshot RNLI's new lifeboat, David Radcliffe, was officially named in a ceremony at the lifeboat station on Calshot Spit (Image: Calshot RNLI)

Station chaplain Barry James led the service of dedication. Mark, and David's grandchildren, officially named the boat before one of Calshot’s helmsmen, Damien Lester, gave a vote of thanks.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from Lymington and Bembridge RNLI and Hamble Independent Lifeboat, with New Forest Brass Band providing the music.

READ MORE: Farewell to Calshot lifeboat involved in Hoegh Osaka drama

A commemorative cake made by volunteer crew member Mike Church was cut by David’s daughter Danielle.

Following the ceremony Damien and two other helmsmen, Graham Burgess and Andy Headley, took the newly christened lifeboat onto the water to showcase its abilities.

Barry James, chaplain at Calshot lifeboat station, takes part in the naming ceremony (Image: Calshot RNLI)

David Radcliffe was the former chairman of Hogg Robinson Group and a keen sailor. He died aged 67 in 2020.

Jane Banting said: "We look forward to honouring David’s legacy as our volunteers continue to save lives at sea as we have done throughout the 54 years we’ve been operating at Calshot."

READ MORE: Calshot RNLI celebrates half a century of saving lives in the Solent area

The day after the ceremony the lifeboat was called out twice in less than an hour. It went to the aid of a broken down vessel before responding to a second emergency.

The David Radcliffe performed its first rescue mission on September 16 2023.

Calshot lifeboat station has answered thousands of calls since it was opened in the early 1970s (Image: Calshot RNLI)

Established more than 50 years ago, Calshot RNLI had been operational for only three weeks when the volunteers received their first "shout".

The SS Oriana was on her way to Australia when she suffered a fire in her boiler room. She was able to return to Southampton with Calshot lifeboat standing by alongside, but the damage caused by the blaze took two weeks to repair.

A much more serious incident took place two months later when the Pacific Glory collided with another tanker off the Isle of Wight, causing a huge fire.

Calshot lifeboat saved 11 people but 13 others lost their lives.

in 1998 a Catalina flying boat was attempting to land when one of its floats exploded, which resulted in the aircraft sinking. Two people were killed, including the mayor of Southampton, Cllr Mike Andrews.