The Friend to all Nations was the second surfboat stationed at Margate for maritime rescue. She entered service on 6 July 1878 and was retired after being damaged in a storm on 30 November 1898. She became famous for a failed rescue in the great storm of 1897, during which 9 of her 13 crew were lost.
A considerable sum was donated for the benefit of the families of those who had died, but the funds were mostly spent on two large memorials in Margate. One is in the local cemetery, and the other is on the parade overlooking Nayland Rock, where the tragedy took place.
Read more about Friend To All Nations: Early Career, Storm of 1897, Loss, Fundraising and Monument, Last Rescue