Tributes paid to Rhyl RNLI captain and merchant seaman who commanded ships across the world

Tributes have been paid to an RNLI captain who was in command of many ships across the world during his career.

Peter Jackson, who held the position of one of the charity’s deputy launching authorities, died last week.

His passing marked another recent loss for the Rhyl RNLI family.

In a statement, the crew said: “Peter was in command of many ships across the world.

“He joined the Merchant Navy as an officer cadet at 16 and continued working and volunteering in the maritime industry for 48 years.

“He went on to sail and pilot a variety of vessels but mainly oil tankers all over the globe, including during the Falklands war.

“He was sometimes joined by his wife, Pat on voyages.

“The largest vessel Peter was in command of was the oil tanker Sea World, which was 500,000 tonnes fully laden and carried $400m worth of crude oil, he also spent seven years as a pilot in Nigeria, helping to safely dock ships there.”

Peter also spent four years working as a local coastguard in Rhyl.

He began volunteering for the RNLI after retiring from the Merchant Navy by taking on the role of a Deputy Launching Authority for Rhyl Lifeboat Station. In this role he authorised the launch of Rhyl’s lifeboats when requested by HM Coastguard.

Retired Rhyl Coxswain and fellow Rhyl DLA, Peter Robinson a friend of Captain Jackson said: “Peter was held in the highest regard in maritime circles not just within the lifeboat community, but also with everybody he served with on a world wide basis. He was great company and will be sadly missed by all.”

Peter’s funeral took place this morning at St Thomas’s Church in Rhyl where some of the crew formed a guard of honour.

Martin Jones, Rhyl Lifeboat Coxswain said: “Peter was a font of maritime knowledge at the station and was always happy to share it with the crew, he was often present on Sunday mornings at crew training, and could usually be found at the station lookout with a cup of tea sharing stories with his fellow DLA’s and retired crewmembers.

“He will be sorely missed by everyone at Rhyl RNLI. Our thoughts are with Pat, his sons, and all his family at this sad time.”