Dover RNLI community has announced the appointment of its first-ever female Coxswain, marking a historic moment in the station’s distinguished history since the establishment of Dover’s first lifeboat service in 1837.
Hannah Emory, who has shown exceptional commitment and leadership throughout her RNLI service, has officially joined the command team at Dover following the successful completion of an intensive four-hour Coxswain pass-out examination.
Hannah began her journey with Dover RNLI as shore crew in January 2022, before joining the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) crew in August of the same year. She was confirmed as substantive crew in March 2023 and later completed her Navigator training that same year.
During her time at the station, Hannah has embodied the RNLI’s core mission of saving lives at sea, contributing to over 200 service calls in just a few years.
This weekend, Hannah proudly undertook her first duties as a Volunteer ALB Coxswain aboard the Severn Class City of London II lifeboat.
Reflecting on her achievement, Hannah said: ‘I would like to thank everyone at the station, as well as my family and friends, for their incredible support and encouragement. I could not have done it without you. I look forward to taking to sea to continue our lifesaving mission not only as Dover’s first female Coxswain, but as a proud member of this dedicated crew.’
The entire Dover RNLI team extends its heartfelt congratulations to Hannah on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to continuing its lifesaving work under her leadership.
