Our first challenge to bring the William Kate Johnston back to Merseyside was completed 22nd March 2024. This time critical phase required specialised road transportation, at a cost of £10,000.

William and Kate Johnston, a Barnett-class lifeboat, was one of only four of its kind operating in the UK & Ireland. Serving New Brighton RNLI from 1924 until 1950, the William and Kate Johnston saved 248 lives over 96 launches. This first-ever Barnett-class lifeboat was, at the time of her launch, the largest lifeboat in the world, capable of carrying 130 casualties.

Sadly, the William and Kate Johnston has fallen into disrepair and is barely seaworthy. Abandoned in Gosport marina for a year, she faced demolition before the National Historic Ships UK intervened to find new owners.

The William and Kate Johnston Preservation Society was established to restore this heritage asset, a crucial part of maritime history on the River Mersey, to its former glory and return it to the North West. The restored lifeboat would serve as a museum piece and working vessel on the river, offering day trips and educational opportunities for community groups.

Having already acquired the vessel and returned it to Merseyside, the WKJPS have divided the remaining tasks to see all-important survey work to ascertain the scale of repairs required prior to restoration works.