The old Trent class Sheerness lifeboat numbered 14-13 and called "George and Ivy Swanson" departed the town after 27 years of service this morning (August 1), undertaking a quick loop of nearby Queenborough harbour to hoots from other craft before it departed.

It was flanked by the new state-of-the-art Shannon class lifeboat that has replaced it, the Sheerness inshore lifeboat, and Southend's Atlantic class lifeboat.

Robin Castle MBE who has been the boat's full-time coxswain is returning the boat to RNLI's headquarters in Poole, on his final trip before his retirement after a remarkable 40 years of service.

The old boat will become part of the RNLI's training fleet at its headquarters in Poole.

The old Trent class Sheerness lifeboat numbered 14-13 and called "George and Ivy Swanson" departed the town after 27 years service this morning (August 1), undertaking a quick loop of nearby Queenborough harbour to hoots from other craft before it departed.

It was flanked by the new state-of-the-art Shannon class lifeboat that has replaced it, the Sheerness inshore lifeboat, and Southend's Atlantic class lifeboat.

Robin Castle MBE who has been the boats full time coxswain, is returning the boat to RNLI's headquarters in Poole, on his final trip before his retirement after a remarkable 40 years service.

The old boat will become part of the RNLI's training fleet at its headquarters in Poole.