The flags at RNLI lifeboat stations around the south east coast sit at half-mast following the death of long-serving coxswain Stuart Adams, after a short illness.
He guided the volunteers through huge changes throughout his years at the charity, “Saving Lives at Sea” being indeed his motto. Stuart was the backbone of RNLI Dungeness and was an inspirational leader and a true friend to all the volunteers who worked with him.
He was a keen fisherman throughout his youth and started commercial fishing as a full-time occupation after leaving school. It was through this career that he came in to contact with the RNLI, joining the charity as a volunteer in 1978, along with fellow fishermen.
Twenty-two years later in 2000 he became full-time coxswain of Dungeness lifeboat. He dedicated his life fully to the role which involves leading crew whilst on the lifeboat and being responsible both for their safety and that of those they rescue. The coxswain’s most important mission is to bring everyone home safely, but for Stuart Adams it meant so much more.
Stuart was a father-figure, a calming influence, a confidante, and no crew member felt unsafe going to sea under his command. He was highly respected by all who knew him. He actively ensured that the volunteers felt able to learn and was completely selfless in all his endeavours.
Lifeboat operations manager, Vicky Morgan, said: “Stuart inspired so many of the volunteers here at Dungeness with his outstanding commitment and his superb leadership. He was a humble man – never recognising his own extraordinary dedication towards the crew and the station. He was everything the RNLI stands for and was an exemplary role-model for all those in the institution. He will be very sadly missed.”
Recently, Stuart was awarded the RNLI’s ‘Thanks on Vellum’ for his role as coxswain in the tragic service call involving the sinking of a small vessel in the middle of the English Channel on December 14, 2022.
RNLI Dungeness will be guided into a new era by Stuart’s son, Jason Adams, who takes over as full-time coxswain. Jason will lead the station into the future with all the same core values as his father.
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Noel Packer .