Heroic coastguard hangs up his hat after 42 years of saving lives

A heroic coastguard has hung up his hat after 42 years spent saving people's lives.

Jim Lilley has stepped down from HM Coastguard Cromer following a remarkable four-decade long career on the frontline of coastal rescue operations.

Throughout his decades of service, Mr Lilley responded to thousands of emergencies along the North Norfolk coastline.

The incidents he attended spanned a wide range of scenarios, from helicopter crashes and vessel-related emergencies to rescuing individuals trapped on cliff faces or in difficulty at sea.

His retirement was announced by the Cromer Coastguard Rescue Team yesterday.

The volunteer unit provides around-the-clock search and rescue coverage along the North Norfolk coast, operating alongside other services such as the RNLI.

Mr Lilley's distinguished service earned him notable recognition, including the Chief Coastguard's Commendation for a cliff rescue performed amid a snowstorm in Mundesley approximately two decades ago.

More recently, he was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for saving a swimmer in Sheringham two years ago.

His colleagues at Cromer Coastguard paid tribute to his legacy, saying his expertise, experience and commitment had left a lasting mark on both the team and the wider community.

They wished him a lengthy, happy and well-earned retirement.

A statement on from the Cromer Coastguard Rescue Team on social media said: "Jim's knowledge, experience, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the team and the local community.

"He will be greatly missed by everyone at HM Coastguard Cromer, and we wish him a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement."

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This comes after crews at a Welsh lifeboat station were honoured for their heroic actions in a pair of daring sea rescues.

The team at RNLI Tenby were formally recognised in September 2025 at their station for their heroic actions during separate incidents in 2024.

The first rescue occurred on August 14 2024, when three men were pulled from the water after their vessel overturned near St Govan's.

A second commendation honoured the crew's response on May 25 2024, when they saved an unconscious yachtsman from his burning vessel approximately 12 miles south of Caldey Island.

Aled Williams, RNLI Coastal Training Lead, presented commendations on the CEO's behalf to seven crew members for the August rescue.

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