From Walton and Frinton to Chile: A lifeboat’s 72-year journey of service and courage
The RNLI is celebrating the Volunteer Corps of Lifeboats Valparaíso, Chile’s lifeboat service, as they turn 100 years old in 2025. To recognise this landmark anniversary of a fellow lifesaving organisation that shares the same mission; to save lives at sea, we are taking the opportunity to focus on a unique piece of shared history.
A remarkable chapter in lifeboat history has come full circle, as a heroic vessel once stationed at Walton and Frinton RNLI station finds a new home at the Museo Marítimo Nacional in Valparaíso, Chile.
Built in 1927 and originally named E.M.E.D — after its four founding donors — the lifeboat was constructed from teak, mahogany, and oak. With twin engines and capacity for up to 100 people, it was a formidable asset at sea.
During its tenure with the RNLI, the E.M.E.D launched 185 times and saved 215 lives. Among its most celebrated moments was its participation in Operation Dynamo in 1940, when it became one of the famed little ships of Dunkirk. It made two crossings to evacuate stranded troops, enduring three enemy attacks from the German Air Force. Though the boat returned damaged, with a rope caught around the propeller, it survived where others did not — tragically losing a Royal Navy officer in the process.
After retiring from RNLI service in 1955, the boat found a new life in 1956 in Chile with the Volunteer Corps of Lifeboats Valparaíso. Renamed Captain Christiansen, the lifeboat went on to serve the Chilean coast for another four decades, saving hundreds more lives. In recognition of its role at Dunkirk, it was awarded the Dunkirk Jack Flag in 1993. The vessel was finally decommissioned in 2001, having provided 72 years of lifesaving service across two continents.
Now, after two decades in storage, the Captain Christiansen has been moved to its final home — on display at the entrance of the Museo Marítimo Nacional in Valparaíso. The museum will restore the boat while honouring its rich and courageous history.
Reflecting on this moment, Dave Whiddon, RNLI Senior International Programme Manager, said:
'It’s incredible to look back at this unique piece of shared history that we have with the Volunteer Corps of Lifeboats Valparaíso and take a moment to celebrate it in their centenary year.
'The Captain Christiansen made some remarkable journeys in its lifetime, notably to Dunkirk twice and also its long journey from Walton and Frinton Station all the way to Valparaíso, Chile.
'We have worked closely with the Volunteer Corps of Lifeboats Valparaíso for many years and look forward to continuing this partnership in the future. We congratulate them as they celebrate this momentous anniversary.'
Watch the short film tracing the Captain Christiansen’s extraordinary journey.
You can also listen to a message from Andrés Rodrigo, Director of the Museo Marítimo Nacional, below.
We would like to acknowledge the past president of the Chilean Lifeboat Service, Captain Luis Cortez Bosch, who sadly passed away on 15 April 2025. Captain Luis gave 36 years of service to the Chilean Lifeboat Service and served as president three times. He trained hundreds of crews and officers, passing on his passion and commitment to saving lives at sea. Fair winds and following seas.