Retiral after 27 years’ service to Montrose RNLI
One of Montrose RNLI’s staunchest volunteers has retired after an an incredible 27 years with the charity.
During his time at the station, Derek Smart has served as lifeboat crew, Launch Authority and latterly as Lifeboat Operations Manager.
Derek joined Montrose lifeboat station in 1993, the same year he began working as a Harbour Pilot with Montrose Port Authority, a role he held until his retirement in 2023.
During his years as operational crew, Derek served as Third Mechanic, Second Coxswain and Helm aboard the station’s inshore lifeboat.
The lifeboats on station when Derek first joined were the Tyne-class all-weather lifeboat RNLB Moonbeam and the station’s first D-class inshore lifeboat, Holme Team 3.
One of Derek’s stand-out memories was his first shout as Coxswain in 1997. The crew launched to assist the tug boat Schelde 12, which had run aground at Annat Bank, off Montrose, during heavy seas and a strong easterly gale.
With darkness adding to the challenging conditions, a search and rescue helicopter was on scene preparing to airlift the crew to safety when the vessel managed to free itself from the sandbank. Once in deeper waters, Montrose lifeboat escorted the tug safely into Montrose Harbour.
He said: “It was a very challenging shout with severe weather conditions and difficult seas. What also stands out to me is that it was the same night as the MV Green Lily rescue operation off Bressay in Shetland. Fifteen lives were saved that night, but tragically a HM Coastguard winchman lost his life during the rescue.”
Derek stepped down from operational crew duties in 2013. However, his time away from the station was short-lived and six years later he returned to the station as Deputy Launch Authority and Lifeboat Operations Manager, succeeding Tom Hutchison in the role.
Another rescue which remains firmly in Derek’s memory was during Storm Arwen in 2021, when Montrose RNLI launched to assist a vessel which had almost run aground at Lunan Bay.
Derek said: “As LOM and Launch Authority, making the decision to launch the lifeboat into those conditions was incredibly difficult. It was a very anxious wait for the crew to return safely. I was immensely proud of the crew that night and rightly so as they later received a commendation from the RNLI.”
Derek’s wife Eileen is also a dedicated volunteer as part of the fundraising team and as fundraising treasurer.
She said: “The RNLI has been a huge part of our lives for many years and I’m incredibly proud of everything Derek has achieved at the station. While I’m looking forward to spending more time together and enjoying retirement, I know he won’t be a stranger to the station.”
Henry Weaver, RNLI Area Operations Manager, said: “Derek has given outstanding service to the RNLI and the people of Montrose over many years.
“Volunteering for 27 years is an exceptional commitment and reflects his dedication to saving lives at sea and supporting his local community. His professionalism, calm leadership and experience have been a real asset, and I would like to sincerely thank him for everything he has contributed to the RNLI.”