Joseph Soar (Civil Service Number 34) – ON971 – 47′ Watson Class Lifeboat
ON971 Joseph Soar & ON1008 James & Mariska Joicey at Portrush in July 2015 after accompanying and guiding J&MJ safely under passage from Mulroy Bay in Co. Donegal. Dave Paine and Derek Briggs on the foredeck and ON1257, 17-30, Severn Class, “William Gordon Burr” on duty behind.Joseph Soar passing a moored James And Mariska Joicey at Coleraine Harbour July 2015. Joseph Soar was one of six 47′ Watson Class Lifeboats converted to inherent self-righting specification between 1974 – 1976 following the self righting system of the Solent Class Lifeboats. This design lineage is clear in this photo when the superstructures of both boats is compared despite the slightly raised wheelhouse on J&MJ.Joseph Soar launching from slipway at St. Davids early 1980s. She was the last 47′ Watson Class Lifeboat built in 1963 and served at St. Davids from 1963 to 1985, then Dunbar 1986 to 1988 and finally Shoreham Harbour 1988 to 1990 before retiring from RNLI service and sold into private ownershipJoseph Soar coming into moor up at Coleraine Harbour after launching circa 2016An immaculately restored Joseph Soar about to launch at Coleraine circa 2016, Robert holding lines and Stephen in command of tractor
