Zetland Museum

Redcar, Marske & Saltburn-by-the-Sea

The Zetland is the oldest surviving lifeboat in the world and is listed within the National Historic Ship Register as part of the Nations Historic Fleet and was built in 1802 by Henry Greathead at his South Shields boatyard. She saw 78 years of service and saved over 500 documented lives from the treacherous Redcar coast.

She has laid in her present boathouse since 1907 and has only been removed twice. Zetland gave outstanding service ensuring the safety of the Redcar Fishermen, Pilots and other seafarers and we are dedicated to conserving her, not just for the townsfolk but as a significant and historically important vessel recognised the world over.

The Zetland was originally purchased by the Redcar people, for the use of the Redcar people, She remains today, very much a peoples boat and is still the pride and joy of the Redcar folk.