Bembridge RNLI continues tradition

Bembridge RNLI’s newly-qualified D-Class helm is carrying on his family’s tradition spanning more than a century.

John Attrill, is the crew’s full-time mechanic, but has now added to his expertise by becoming a D-class helm. He became a crew member in 2019, but his family has been connected to the station since its first lifeboat in 1867. John’s great-great-great-grandfather (Joey Attrill) steered the Bembridge Lifeboat from 1878 to 1905.

Alan, his father, and his uncle, Geoff, also served as crew/helms. But that’s not all – the future looks bright for John; he has an eight-year-old son named Teddy, who possesses extensive knowledge of everything related to Bembridge RNLI and it’s hoped he will join the crew once he is old enough.

A spokesman said: “It is incredible to see the entire family’s commitment to Bembridge RNLI, both in the past and present, as well as in the future.”