RNLI
The need for a purpose-built lifeboat was evident. The boat was delivered in time for the visit of the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward in 1858. The lifeboats prior to the Mary Stanford were all powered by oars and sail. As ships became larger the need for a motorized craft was realised. On 12 December 1928, the RMS Celtic was wrecked at Roche's Point, Cobh. At the time of her launch in 1901, she was the largest ship in her day, one of the "Big Four", the first to exceed 20,000 tons, dwarfing the Ballycotton Lifeboat, which came to the rescue.
The Mary Stanford was named on 7 July 1930 by Mrs. Louisa Cosgrave, wife of President Cosgrave. The cost, £11,000, was donated by Mr. J.F. Stanford, of London. There was a previous lifeboat, named "Mary Stanford". Two years earlier, it had capsized with the loss of all 17 crew in Rye Harbour, England. The new Mary Stanford would be more fortunate. She would save many lives, including the famous rescue of the Daunt Lightship. Not only would her entire crew receive gallantry awards, she would be the only boat, in lifeboat history, for a boat to be awarded the gold medal.
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