Maritime heritage · A lifeboat's story
RNLB Charles Cooper Henderson
ON 761
The boat survives. Their stories deserve to survive with her.
Preserving the Charles Cooper Henderson is an emerging opportunity the Maritime Futures Hub is exploring. It is not a confirmed acquisition, and the Hub does not yet operate any programme around the vessel.
29 July 1956 | Dungeness, Kent
The Teeswood Rescue – Courage in the Storm
On 29 July 1956, the RNLB Charles Cooper Henderson (ON 761) was involved in one of the most dramatic rescues of her distinguished service career.
During ferocious Force 12 winds, the cargo aboard the collier Teeswood shifted, placing the vessel in grave danger approximately four miles east of Dungeness.
Under the command of Coxswain George “Punch” Tart, the lifeboat launched into exceptionally dangerous conditions. Among the crew was his son, Bob Tart.
All nine people who abandoned the Teeswood survived. The collier subsequently sank approximately two miles off Dover.
For his courage and leadership, George Tart was awarded the RNLI Bronze Medal for Gallantry.
A Life of Service
During her service at Dungeness, the Charles Cooper Henderson launched 296 times and saved 156 lives — a record of courage spanning four decades.
1936
Entered service as the Dungeness lifeboat
29 July 1956
The Teeswood rescue — Coxswain George Tart awarded the RNLI Bronze Medal for Gallantry
1976
Withdrawn from service after four decades at Dungeness
21 January 2018
Bob Tart, the last surviving member of the Teeswood rescue crew, dies aged 84
The People Behind the Lifeboat
The Charles Cooper Henderson is more than a historic vessel. Her story is also about the extraordinary courage of the volunteers who served aboard her.
Bob Tart, who participated in the rescue alongside his father, died on 21 January 2018, aged 84. He was the last surviving member of the lifeboat crew involved in the Teeswood rescue.
His passing was commemorated by the RNLI, ensuring that the bravery of this remarkable crew would not be forgotten.
Preserving Their Legacy
Today, preserving the Charles Cooper Henderson means preserving the stories of the people who served aboard her, the lives they saved and the communities they protected.
The boat survives. Their stories deserve to survive with her.
Our Heritage. Our Community. Our Future.
Help preserve her story →Historical source
RNLI, 29 January 2018: “Dungeness lifeboat crew on the old RNLB Charles Cooper Henderson has passed away”
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