TRIBUTES have been paid to a former lifeboat coxswain and “great character” from Harwich.

Peter Burwood had been greatly involved in the campaign to get a lifeboat reinstated at Harwich in the 1960s after the station was closed in 1918.

He became a crew member when a D class lifeboat was placed on service in 1965 and became coxswain and mechanic in 1967 when Harwich received an all-weather lifeboat, remaining in the role until 1991.

During his time as coxswain, Peter received a letter of thanks from the RNLI for his dedication after a seven hour search after the collision between the Speedlink Vanguard and European Gateway off Felixstowe in 1983, which led to the loss of six lives.

Peter also received a framed letter of thanks from the chairman of the institution in 1985 in recognition of the determination the crew displayed during many hours of extreme discomfort at sea in severe weather conditions, when escorting the Speedlink Vanguard to sheltered waters, after she had suffered from one of her engines breaking down.

Peter reluctantly retired in 1991 when he reached the age of 55, but remained an avid supporter of the station during his retirement.

Peter Bull, lifeboat operations manager at Harwich RNLI, said the station’s flag was placed at half mast as a mark of respect after it was informed of his death.

 

Tribute - the Harwich RNLI flag was flown at half-mast in tribute to Peter Burwood

Tribute - the Harwich RNLI flag was flown at half-mast in tribute to Peter Burwood

 

“Peter was willing to sit down and tell stories to new crew about how challenging it was on the lifeboat during his time on the crew and the rescues he had carried out,” he said.

“He knew how to tell a story and he would have his audience sitting listening in awe about the conditions they had to face in the old Waveney lifeboats.

“I worked with him at the Harwich Haven Authority and was involved in many fund raising activities alongside him.

“I can honestly say Peter was one of the great characters, one of those gentleman who had a story to tell, had the respect of everybody and dedicated his life to helping others.

“The station and the community owe a lot to Peter and he will be greatly missed.”