TRIBUTES have been paid to a “special” volunteer who dedicated decades of service to the RNLI in Southend.

Colin Sedgwick MBE, who had been involved in more than 2,500 rescues, has sadly passed away at the age of 81.

The former lifeboat manager joined the Royal National Lifeboat Institute on his 16th birthday in 1958, after his love of the sea began when he joined Chalkwell Bay Sea Scouts at the age of 11.

In his first year at the RNLI, Colin was awarded the Royal Humane Society certificate for being part of a crew that saved a life at sea when a speedboat sank. More than 50 years later, aged 70, Colin retired, but continued to be involved in any way he could.

Tributes - Colin Sedgwick MBETributes - Colin Sedgwick MBE (Image: Newsquest)

Last week, Southend RNLI volunteers travelled to Weymouth to visit the restored Gallichan, formerly known as Greater London II.

Colin was once a crew member on the Greater London II and was even onboard for the boat’s final launch on March 28, 1976. 

The visit held special significance for the volunteers as it provided an opportunity to not only reconnect with a historical lifesaving vessel but to also pay tribute to Colin Sedgwick MBE.

History - Former Southend RNLI lifeboat Greater London II with Colin Sedgwick MBE standing at the mastHistory - Former Southend RNLI lifeboat Greater London II with Colin Sedgwick MBE standing at the mast (Image: RNLI)

Southend RNLI volunteer Iain Keenan said: “The trip to Weymouth was very special, it wasn’t just about the historic lifesaving connection or seeing and steering our last all-weather lifeboat.

“It was also a very special tribute to Colin Sedgwick. We wore our RNLI jumpers for the day and raised a glass on the bow of the former Southend lifeboat that Colin had served and saved lives on.”

The Greater London II, (Civil Service No 30) a Watson class lifeboat, served at Southend RNLI lifeboat station with distinction between 1955 and 1976.

During its time in service, the Greater London II launched over 279 times, saving a remarkable 160 lives.

Its final launch at Southend occurred on March 28, 1976, after which the Greater London II was retired.

The lifeboat found a new home and has been lovingly restored by its current owners, Mike and Carol Clark.

Mike and Carol invited the Southend volunteers to Weymouth for a chance to see the Gallichan up close and take the historic lifeboat for a trip at sea.