WITH more than 40 years of service between them, two lifeboat volunteers will be sorely missed when they step down from their roles at Harwich RNLI.

Craig Hope and Neal Sandquest will be leaving leave their respective volunteer roles as Deputy Launch Authority and crew.

Craig, who is retiring after 32 years, has seamlessly carried out the role alongside his work for Harwich Haven Authority’s Vessel Traffic Service, which he is about to retire from after 38 years.

To mark the occasion, Craig was presented with a 30-year service medal by Harwich RNLI, along with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Craig modestly told the crew: “Why am I getting these, I only push the button to launch you, then sit back and watch you go down the harbour. You do all the hard work.”

Volunteer lifeboat operations manager Peter Bull added: “Craig and I started at the Harwich Haven Authority on the same day, and worked alongside each other for 11 years before I switched to Felixstowe.

“Craig has become the voice of the harbour, and will be sorely missed.

“It is people like Craig, and fellow Vessel Traffic Service staff that help make Harwich RNLI’s role that much easier, often giving direct early warning of an incident.

“I would also like to thank Neal Sandquest for his ten years of service, six as coxswain, and especially his support when I became lifeboat operations manager in 2021.

“Neal has decided to step away in order to spend more time with his young family, which is understandable, even if he will be greatly missed.

“I had to make the same choice myself in my earlier days - the RNLI is voluntary, and you can always come back. You can’t get back missed time with your children.

“We wish them both a happy future, and hope to see them popping in from time to time.”

Mr Bull appealed for anyone who would like to make a difference by helping to save lives at sea with Harwich RNLI, to email Peter_Bull2@rnli.org.uk.

“No experience is needed as full comprehensive training will be given,” he added.