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Frank Lawrence
05/09/2025
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Capt. Frank “Hurricane” Lawrence on 17 August, aged 93. Frank was a towering figure in our Island’s maritime story - a former harbour pilot and lifeboatman through and through.
Frank went to sea as a 14-year-old deckhand and, over decades of service with RNLI Jersey, rose through the crew to the role of Second Coxswain. He was known for his quiet authority, precise seamanship and unflappable composure - qualities that earned him the nickname “Hurricane”, forged on an RNLI delivery from Jersey to Shoreham in storm-force weather.
Away from rescues, Frank gave back tirelessly, mentoring younger crew, supporting station life and fundraising for the RNLI when he swapped sea boots for running shoes. He also served the Island as a Jersey Harbour Pilot, guiding vessels safely in and out of St Helier in all conditions.
According to the paperwork, Frank was born in 1932. According to his family, it was 1931. The discrepancy appeared right after he ran the London Marathon to show the RNLI he was still fit for duty in spite of their mandatory reirement age. Frank's tenacity bought him one more year on the lifeboat.
Our thoughts are with Denis, Peter, Susan, Francis, and James. and their respective families, and with Frank’s many friends across Jersey’s maritime community.
Frank went to sea as a 14-year-old deckhand and, over decades of service with RNLI Jersey, rose through the crew to the role of Second Coxswain. He was known for his quiet authority, precise seamanship and unflappable composure - qualities that earned him the nickname “Hurricane”, forged on an RNLI delivery from Jersey to Shoreham in storm-force weather.
Away from rescues, Frank gave back tirelessly, mentoring younger crew, supporting station life and fundraising for the RNLI when he swapped sea boots for running shoes. He also served the Island as a Jersey Harbour Pilot, guiding vessels safely in and out of St Helier in all conditions.
According to the paperwork, Frank was born in 1932. According to his family, it was 1931. The discrepancy appeared right after he ran the London Marathon to show the RNLI he was still fit for duty in spite of their mandatory reirement age. Frank's tenacity bought him one more year on the lifeboat.
Our thoughts are with Denis, Peter, Susan, Francis, and James. and their respective families, and with Frank’s many friends across Jersey’s maritime community.
