Former lifeboat restored in Falmouth for RNLI anniversary

Mary Irene Millar, affectionately known as MIM, is a Tyne class lifeboat number 47- 033.

She has spent the past four months at the Falmouth Boat Co. having her superstructure restored to as new. 

MIM is now set to form part of an historical display of former lifeboats at a number of events around the UK.

Keith Berry, a former Royal Marine Reservist and retired marina manager, bought MIM directly from the RNLI ten years ago. She had been stationed at Portpatrick on the west coast of Scotland for most of her working life.

'Tip-top condition' 

Although MIM has been kept in good condition he asked Falmouth Boat Co. to carry out the restoration work because he wanted the her to be in “tip-top condition” for the RNLI open weekend in Poole in May and subsequent events - including here in Falmouth. 

Keith said: “It’s been a huge financial challenge for me but the rewards are also huge. 

“The pleasure I get from preserving and showing her to people is significant and, at the same time, she's contributing to our maritime history. 

The former lifeboat will be taking part in 200th anniversary events this year (Image: Nicholas Leach)

“It has been a total pleasure to work with the Falmouth Boat Co, my passion became theirs, with the whole team taking great care in their approach, enthusiasm and pride in their work. 

“Professionalism and passion, from the start to finish is how I'd sum the restoration project up.”

'An honour and a joy'

Jonathan Fielding, managing director of Falmouth Boat Co. said the team enjoyed restoring the former lifeboat. 

He said: “As one of the few RNLI support yards, we refit and repair all classes of present-day lifeboats for the RNLI but to restore Mary Irene Millar was a different kind of privilege. 

“It was an honour and a joy to return the ex-lifeboat to her former glory so she can illustrate some of the history of this lifesaving charity in its 200th year.”

MIM will be in Guernsey for Liberation Day in May before joining the RNLI’s Poole Lifeboat Festival at the RNLI headquarters over the weekend of May 18 to 19. 

Following that, she will form part of a showcase of historical ex-lifeboats in Fowey, leading up to the RNLI’s anniversary weekend in Falmouth in June.

MIM, with many other historic and serving boats, can be seen throughout the year of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary.