Douglas RNLI has paid tribute to long‑serving crew member and former Coxswain John McCreadie.
Douglas Lifeboat Station said John passed away at Hospice after a period of illness, describing him as a dear friend and colleague who dedicated many years of service in roles including Crewman, Coxswain and Launch Authority.
The station said his wisdom, humour, straight‑talking nature and his well‑known “McCreadie knots” will be deeply missed.
John joined the station in the late 1990s, bringing experience from working aboard weather ships in the North Sea and a strong understanding of the challenging conditions faced in the Irish Sea.
He was part of the crew on the night the Solway Harvester was lost on 11 January 2000, an event the station said remains etched in its memory and in that of the wider community.
He later became Coxswain, leading many service launches with professionalism and calm determination, before serving as Launch Authority, where his judgement and commitment continued to guide generations of crew members.
Douglas RNLI said many crew grew up with John as a constant presence at the station, with some who knew him as children now serving themselves. His influence, they said, helped shape both the station and the people within it.
The station said John’s loss will be felt across Douglas Lifeboat Station, the RNLI family and the wider community, and extended condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him.
“Fair winds and following seas, John. Thank you for your service, friendship and dedication. You will never be forgotten.”
