Lifeboat axing likened to famous Pretty Woman scene

The controversial decision to remove a long-serving all-weather lifeboat from service in Suffolk has been likened to a famous scene from a Hollywood film.

Residents and dignitaries in Aldeburgh gathered to wave goodbye and honour the legacy of the town’s RNLB Freddie Cooper during a special event over the weekend.

The vessel, which had a top speed of about 20mph, had helped to keep day-trippers and seasiders safe on the water for more than three decades, having arrived at the lifeboat station in 1993.

It was replaced by a smaller boat, a move the mayor compared to the “error” made by shop staff in Pretty Woman who shun Julia Roberts’ character for not being ‘well-to-do’ enough.

Referencing the 1990 film, TJ Haworth-Culf, Aldeburgh mayor, said: “We might recall that moment.... where Vivian returns to the boutique the very next day after trying to shop and the boutique owners only then realise what a big, huge error they made.”

The RNLI’s decision to swap the all-weather lifeboat with the inflatable Atlantic 85 inshore vessel was not well received, with many describing it as a “downgrade”.

Nearly 2,000 people signed a petition in a bid to save Freddie Cooper with the then MP for Suffolk Coastal, Therese Coffey, even branding the move “disgraceful”.

Defending the decision to axe the all-weather boat in favour of the Atlantic 85 and a D class inshore boat, RNLI bosses said it had reached the “end of its operational life”.

Residents had held out hope the life-saving charity might have consider a U-turn but the boat’s official send-off on Sunday confirmed its voyages had come to an end.

“It was an emotional day,” said Mrs Haworth-Culf.

“Aldeburgh and her crew, however, move onto their next stage on their life-saving journey with pride, dedication and appetite.

“I think Aldeburgh probably had the best looked after, clean and well-maintained lifeboat and ALB station ever known.

“We are what feels like losing a member of our town, a true family member. Many generations of local families have given their time and loyalty.”

In response to the outcry which followed the axing of the all-weather lifeboat, the RNLI said it had been out of service 83 times in the last 10 years.

The organisation also stated that, while the crew was “disappointed and sad to see the end of the all-weather lifeboat era”, it was only required for three callouts a year.

Chris Halder, lifeboat operations manager at Aldeburgh, said: “We’re ready to start the next chapter of lifesaving in the town.

“I’d like to offer heartfelt thanks to our crew for their fantastic level of commitment and training that they have put in to familiarise themselves with the Atlantic 85.

“They have worked tirelessly to gain the necessary operational training on the new lifeboat, and this is to be applauded.”

The RNLI has been contacted for comment.

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