16/02/2026
🛟 R.I.P Peter 🩵
A sad day for the RNLI as our colleagues at Sennen post the passing of Peter Puddiphatt, Penlee crew offer our sincerest condolences to Sennnen Lifeboat Station and to his family and friends, his service of 39 years will not be forgotten.
Sennen wrote: We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former RNLI volunteer Peter Puddiphatt.
Peter joined Sennen Cove RNLI in 1975 and served for two years as shore crew. In 1977, Peter became a crew member of the Rother class all-weather lifeboat 'Diana White', a position he remained in until 1986 when he returned to his duty as shore crew.
Peter saw four classes of lifeboats serve our station and finally retired in 2014.
During his 39 years of service, Sennen Cove lifeboat station is recorded to have rescued 158 people in peril on the sea. To be part of such a record is an astonishing achievement.
Peter often spoke of how he missed carrying his pager and regularly turned up to help at lifeboat days, meeting and greeting the visitors. Lifeboating remained in his blood.
As well as his recorded service to the lifeboat station, Peter was a first-class photographer and supplied many outstanding images to the RNLI which were used world-wide in many publications and locally as postcards in the lifeboat shop to promote the work of the charity.
It’s impossible to calculate the impact that these images had in sums of money raised, but there is no doubt that these evocative photos encouraged the public to support the cause of saving lives at sea.
Peter’s lifesaving legacy carries on at Sennen Cove with his son Richard and grandchildren Harry and Izzy serving as volunteer crew on our Tamar class lifeboat. He was so proud of them all.
We send our sincere condolences to Peter’s family and friends.
Rest in peace Peter and thank you for such dedicated service.
