RNLI marks retirement of long-serving volunteer after 33 years

Montrose RNLI is marking the retirement of Richard “Ric” Cobb after 33 years of volunteering service spanning more than four decades, recognising what colleagues have described as a lifetime commitment to saving lives at sea.

Ric first joined the station in 1984, when the all-weather lifeboat on service was the Lady MacRobert. From the outset, he served as lifeboat crew and later as second mechanic, taking on a key operational role during launches and rescues in all conditions.

Over the years, Ric served aboard Moonbeam and later the current all-weather lifeboat, Ian Grant Smith, witnessing first-hand the evolution of lifeboat design, onboard technology and operational capability. He stepped down from his lifeboat crew role in 2008 but returned to the station in 2018 as a launch authority, continuing his service in a different yet equally critical capacity.

Reflecting on his time with the RNLI, Ric described it as “a privilege to serve with RNLI Montrose over the last 42 years,” adding that while lifeboats and equipment had changed significantly, “the dedication of the people has always remained the same”. He said he was proud to have played his part in keeping the coastline safe.

Calm leadership in critical moments

As launch authority, Ric became a trusted and steady presence during some of the station’s most pressured callouts. The role carries significant responsibility: authorising lifeboat launches, assessing information from HM Coastguard, evaluating weather and sea conditions, and ensuring both crew and vessel are fully prepared for service.

It demands sound judgement, clear communication and the ability to make rapid decisions in challenging and fast-moving situations.

Drawing on decades of operational experience as crew and second mechanic, Ric brought an in-depth understanding of the pressures facing volunteers heading out to sea. Colleagues say he balanced urgency with safety, ensuring risks were carefully considered before giving authorisation to launch. Once pagers sounded, his calm reassurance helped instil confidence in crews preparing to respond.

Derek Smart, Lifeboat Operations Manager, described Ric’s service as “a truly remarkable achievement”.

“His commitment, whether on the lifeboat as crew and Second Mechanic or later as Launch Authority, has helped ensure our station was always ready to answer the call,” he said. “As Launch Authority, he carried significant responsibility — making key decisions that directly impact crew safety. His calm leadership and wealth of experience have been invaluable, and he has been a well-respected and trusted member of our team.”

A family commitment

Ric’s dedication to the RNLI was also felt at home. His wife, Lesley, said the organisation had “always been part of life” for the family, even when volunteering meant missed meals, interrupted plans and anxious moments when the pager sounded.

“We’re incredibly proud of everything he has achieved,” she said.

His son David and daughters Amy and Erin echoed that pride, noting that their father’s involvement with the lifeboat had been a constant throughout their lives.

“Dad has been on the lifeboat for as long as we can remember so we’ve never known any different,” they said. “Now grown up with families of our own, we realise the dedication and commitment he has shown over the years. We’re hugely proud of Dad’s achievements with the RNLI and the impact he’s had on so many lives.”

While the station will miss his experience and presence, colleagues say Ric is likely to remain a familiar face, with the lifeboat station long considered a second home.

RNLI Montrose extended its thanks to Ric for his exceptional service and wished him and his family a long and well-earned retirement.

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