Mull pays tribute to RNLI's Dr Sam Jones

Sam passed away in early October after a short battle with illness, her family at her side. 

A stalwart of Tobermory RNLI, she lived on Mull for 25 years and worked as a crewmember before her promotion to lifeboat operations manager. 

Sam was also the lifeboat press officer, and in this role she worked closely with The Oban Times to give details of the station’s call-outs and events. She was ever the perfect professional. 

An accomplished woman, Sam did her PHD in maritime history, and as a historian for the RNLI, she was a key figure in organising the current 200th anniversary celebrations.

She displays her vast knowledge in her appearance on the ’RNLI 200 Voices’ podcast, in which she dived deep into the history of the RNLI. The episode can be found here. 

Her established career left a real impact on all who met her, especially those from Tobermory Lifeboat Station. 

Jill Hepburn, RNLI head of region for Scotland, said: "We at the RNLI are still coming to terms with the huge loss of Sam. Her selfless dedication optimised our charity’s values and her absence across multiple areas of the organisation will be a monumental loss to us all. 

"The outpouring of support since Sam’s passing shows just how much she meant to so many people, and that was illustrated today at her funeral where we were joined by so many friends, family and fellow volunteers from across the UK and Ireland. 

"Fair winds and following seas Sam."