Lifeboat stalwart celebrated as family nears 100 years' combined service

Wednesday 13 December 2023

A "key figure" of Jersey's RNLI crew is celebrating 40 years of volunteering at the helm of lifeboats and in the office – as his family nears 100 years of combined service.

Chris McFadyen was presented with his third Long Service Award at a crew dinner for the St Catherine's Lifeboat crew.

Chris first joined the St Catherine lifeboat crew in 1983. He crewed the D-class inshore lifeboat, and was at the helm of the C-class lifeboat and the larger B-class 'Atlantic 21'.

After retiring in 1996 due to the RNLI's age limits, he has taken on a number of roles on the shore: working as shore support, press officer, and training coordinator. 

A family affair

Chris has been Deputy Launching Authority since 2007, which makes him responsible for deciding when to launch the boat, as well as making sure the lifeboat is always ready to launch.

Chris isn't the only one in his family with an impressive RNLI track record: his wife Caryll joined the Fundraising Guild when an invitation to join was extended to crew members' partners. She served as secretary for 34 years and is now Honorary Vice-President.

Their son Edward joined the RNLI in 2001 - and he, too, has a Long Service Award to his name.

"Unwavering enthusiasm"

Nigel Sweeny, Lifeboat Operations Manager for RNLI Jersey, said: "I am delighted that Chris has been recognised for his long-standing voluntary service to the RNLI.

"Chris' unwavering enthusiasm and pragmatic approach to everything he tackles has meant that he has been a key figure in the RNLI Jersey community for the last four decades.

"Most recently, his roles as Deputy Launching Authority and member of the Operations Management Team allow him to share his considerable and valuable experience with the amazing team and local crew we have within RNLI Jersey."

Chris was recognised with a Long Service Award, which is given for the first time after 20 years of service, and then every 10 years.

Pictured - top: Chris with his first Long Service Award, and the two clasps awarded at subsequent 10-year intervals. (RNLI/Helier de Veulle)