A Plymouth lifeboat legend has officially stood down after over two decades of saving lives at sea.
Richard Gibson, a respected RNLI volunteer and senior inshore lifeboat helm, has retired after 21 years of dedicated service with Plymouth Lifeboat Station.
Richard, now in his 50s, joined the crew in 2004 at the age of 29 following a conversation with a crew member during a work meeting.
Living near the station and working close by, he was perfectly placed to respond quickly when the pager sounded.
Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become Senior Helm of the inshore lifeboat and Navigator aboard the station’s all-weather lifeboat Sybil Mullen Glover.
Reflecting on his time with Plymouth RNLI, Richard said:
"I’ve spent time on the crew in my 20s, 30s, 40s, and into my 50s, and it’s hard to put into words what it has meant to me.
"Lifeboating has been a massive part of my life, and not just mine, but my family's too.
"My wife and children have lived with the sound of the pager and the late-night shouts for years, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support.
"The commitment required from my wife, and the effect it has had on the day-to-day logistics for her and my three children, is something that is very rarely understood by anyone who has never had to try to balance family life with carrying a pager as a volunteer crew member."
During his time with Plymouth RNLI, Richard launched on hundreds of shouts, volunteered on 19 out of 21 Christmas Days, and helped rescue countless people.
One of the most memorable rescues involved saving a family, including a baby, cut off by the tide in Wembury Bay.
In recognition of his commitment, Richard was invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party and received coronation and long service medals from the Lord Mayor of Plymouth.
Nigel Gray, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Plymouth RNLI, said:
“Richard has been an integral part of the Plymouth station for 20 years, carrying out numerous taskings and exercises over the years.
"He has seen a lot of change over the years but has always been available for help and support to the crew.
"He can now look forward to a well-deserved retirement to spend time with his family without interruption from the pager.
"I’d like to say a huge thank you from us all at Plymouth RNLI and wish him a long and happy retirement.”
Adam Wotton, Second Mechanic and longtime friend, said:
“Richard has been a valuable crew member to Plymouth Lifeboat Station and a great friend to me since I joined 18 years ago.
"It’s been a pleasure to serve with him, and he will be missed by myself and others at the station.”
Although retiring from active service, Richard has no plans to leave the sea behind.
He intends to enjoy more time on the water with his family, whether kayaking, out on their powerboat, or sailing his in-laws’ 32-foot yacht.
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