Zetland Lifeboat Museum and Redcar Heritage Centre

WELCOME

The Zetland is the oldest surviving lifeboat in the world and is listed within the National Historic Ship Register as part of the Nations Historic Fleet and was built in 1802 by Henry Greathead at his South Shields boatyard.

She saw 78 years of service and saved over 500 documented lives from the treacherous Redcar coast. For many years, lives lost were never recorded.

She has laid in her present boathouse since 1907 and has only been removed once when she was last painted. In 1963 she was taken and displayed in Edinburgh where she was the centrepiece of the International Lifeboat Conference. Although in remarkable condition for her age, time has taken its toll and she is now in urgent need of some caring conservation.

The Friends of Zetland Lifeboat is a charity, number 1153465, which is made up of a strong crew of Volunteers who are dedicated in conserving her for another 200 years.

If you want to know more, please look through this website, if you would like to make a donation to help conserve the boat and her environment please do so!! If you would like to be included in the ‘Friends’ group, get involved or just receive progress emails, please contact us.

The R&CBC have given us their total support for the Zetland conservation project but we need help from volunteers, sponsors, funders and the general public by way of supporting our fundraising events.

The Zetland was originally purchased by the Redcar people, for the use of the Redcar people, She remains today, very much a peoples boat and is still the pride and joy of the Redcar folk.

Zetland gave outstanding service ensuring the safety of the Redcar Fishermen, Pilots and other seafarers and we are dedicated to conserving her, not just for the townsfolk but as a significant and historically important vessel recognised the world over.

PLEASE HELP IN ANY WAY YOU CAN !