A LONGSTANDING lifeboat volunteer who spent almost half a decade at sea is finally hanging up his wellies.

Max Gilligan took part in dozens of rescues during his 38 years of service as a crew member with Selsey RNLI.

He just 10-years-old when he first got involved with the lifeboat crew and was often seen racing down to the station to watch and help out when the maroons were fired.

He accompanied the boat crew out on the Canadian Pacific to the then manned Owers Light vessel, at Christmas to deliver their Christmas Turkey.

It was almost a decade later that he joined the RNLI crew in 1983.

The 65-year-old has been involved in numerous rescues over the years, including some of the most notable, such as the 36-foot yacht Shropshire Lady, which was 28 miles south of Selsey, a rough and taxing shout resulting in a tow of nearly 10 hours.

The Argus: Max has been on the crew since 1983Max has been on the crew since 1983

In May 27 2007, a call to the yacht Pakaa, which was 19 miles southwest of Selsey in rough seas resulted in the lifeboat being out for 12 hours.

Tony Delahunty, lifeboat operations manager at Selsey Lifeboat Station said: "On behalf of myself, the crew and the RNLI, I would like to thank Max for his 38 years at sea, as part of the Selsey RNLI lifeboat crew.

"I would also like to acknowledge the level of commitment and dedication required to serve for this length of time.

"His presence at sea will be missed.

"I am delighted that Max will continue as Press Officer, his reports and media work both locally and nationally have raised the profile of the station".

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In 2014 Max took on the lifeboat press officer role alongside his crew role - which he will continue with.

After 20 years of service, he received the Freedom of the City of London recognition and has recently been awarded "excellence in volunteering"by the RNLI.