Two centuries ago South Shields beach was feared by seaman due to the steep unprotected sandbank and the wild storms from the North Sea.

The Tyne served South Shields for over 60 years

In January 1789, the brig Adventure, of Newcastle, was driven ashore in a gale which would see eight of her crew drowned. Locals watched the despairing men as they fought for their lives but were unable to help. Soon, they would build the worlds first purpose built successful rescue boat now known as a lifeboat.

This boat in the photograph, all though built in 1833, some 44 years later is Britains second oldest preserved lifeboat. Built by J.Oliver of South Shields, it differs very little from the Lifeboat ORIGINAL , the worlds first lifeboat.

Original was built in 1789 by Henry Greathead here in South Shields.

The Tyne served South Shields for over 60 years where her crews help save some 1,028 lives. In 1874 she was placed here as a permanent reminder of the skill and bravery of the men of the Tyne Lifeboat Institution.