Cromer lifeboat moved through town by specialist movers

A crowd followed the 46 ft H.F Bailey lifeboat from its home at the Rocket House through the narrow streets of Cromer as it departed on the 12-mile journey to its new temporary home. 

The 19-tonne boat was moved as much-needed £1m renovations are set to take place at the Rocket House.

The vessel is being stored in a controlled environment while the works take place. 

READ MORE: RNLI Rocket House lifeboat in large scale move operation

The move started at around 5am this morning with a huge team in place to get the historic vessel onto a specialised trailer. 

The floor beneath the Bailey was crumbling as the boat was moved due to the damp problems in the building.

The H.F Bailey being prepared for its journey (Image: Bridget Aherne) Gary Aarnes-Olsen, estate manager for the RNLI, said: "The boat was put into skates which were rolled onto thin steel plates. 

"The boat is sitting in two specially made cradles that it will stay in the whole time, through storage until it is transported back."

 A hydraulic jack was used to lift the boat into position. 

Mr Aarnes-Olsen said: "It took about 90 minutes to lift it 90cm. 

"It has been a proper team effort between the RNLI, North Norfolk District Council, the specialist movers Alleys and RNLI volunteers to make it happen. 

The actual move took place at 1.15pm as the boat left the Rocket House and ascended the steep gangway up onto Church Street, led by a police escort. 

People followed the Bailey up the Gangway (Image: Jack Warren, Newsquest) Tensions were high as the highly skilled movers squeezed the boat round the tight corner onto Church Street.   

There were tense moments as the boat squeezed round a corner. (Image: Jack Warren, Newsquest)

The Allleys crew towing the boat down Church Street (Image: Jack Warren, Newsquest)