TRIBUTES have been paid to a former lifeboat crewman and a familiar face around Weymouth Harbour who has died.

Robert Gray who served as a Weymouth RNLI crew member for 25 years from 1975 to 2000 – one of the longest serving members of the town's lifeboat – passed away on Friday at the age of 72 following a short illness.

He notably served on the night of the infamous hurricane on October 15, 1987 when the lifeboat launched to the aid of a catamaran stranded 18 miles south of Portland Bill.

He was awarded a bronze medal for his bravery and perseverance in rescuing the boat. 

Mr Gray was a well-known character around the harbour and was a ferry man for many years rowing his boat across the harbour, where he could also be close to the lifeboat station.

Weymouth Lifeboat coxswain Andy Sargent and lifeboat operations manager Malcolm Wright said: "Bobbie served on Weymouth lifeboat for 25 years. 

“He started as crew in January 1975, and later was the assistant mechanic from December 1989 to January 2000.

“He was a highly respected, forthright member of the crew. New recruits had the greatest respect for him, and indeed, held him in awe."

They added: "A notable rescue was of the yacht 'Surcouf' that had broadcast a Pan Pan call requesting help on September 27, 1995. 

“The vessel was in rough sea in the Portland Race. Bobbie had command that day of the Weymouth Lifeboat Tony Vandervell and skilfully saved not just the lives of the two elderly persons on board, but saved the yacht too. 

“Bobbie was recognised by the Divisional Inspector South for ‘the rescue in an extremely competent manner under difficult conditions’.

“The RNLI gained from his contribution aboard the lifeboats as did many a seafarer. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him."

As well as serving as a lifeboat crewman, Mr Gray was a much-loved character around Weymouth Harbour as he took holidaymakers on boat trips across the harbour, giving lively and informative commentary along the way. 

His funeral will be held on Thursday, November 9 at 10.30am at Holy Trinity Church in Weymouth, followed by a private service for the family only at the crematorium.