'Legendary' Norfolk RNLI lifeboat coxswain who saved 29 people dies aged 96

A "legendary" RNLI lifeboat coxswain who saved the lives of 29 people stuck on board a Romanian cargo ship during a snow storm, has died aged 96.

David Cox's long and distinguished career from the Wells-next-the-Sea station in Norfolk saw him receive five awards for courage, determination and excellent seamanship.

He was awarded a prestigious silver medal for a daring rescue in 1979 where Mr Cox and his crew spent more than 11 hours at sea in sub-zero temperatures rescuing a stranded crew onboard a Romanian cargo ship.

The weather was so severe that neither the Sheringham nor Cromer lifeboats could reach the ship which had engine failure eleven miles off the coast of Wells.

Despite the violent and stormy conditions all 29 people survived.

The RNLI station flag at Wells-next-the-Sea is being flown at half-mast in memory of Mr Cox, who died on Sunday. 

• David Cox was interviewed by ITV News Anglia as part of a feature about the 150th Anniversary of RNLI Wells

Mr Cox was born in Wells in 1926 into a family of fishermen, a life which he followed himself.

As a young boy he would help launch the lifeboat and in 1945, aged 19, he began his long service as a volunteer member of the lifeboat crew.

In 1960 Mr Cox took over as coxswain of the lifeboat from his uncle, William Cox.  

He retired in 1986, aged 60, but continued being a strong advocate of the RNLI.

Lifeboat operations manager Chris Hardy said: "David was an inspiration as coxswainto all lifeboatmen throughout the institution, particularly for his courage and unwaveringdetermination to saving lives at sea off our coastline.

"He actively continued that commitment throughout his retirement years and was a great ambassador for the RNLI, often recalling in great detail the difficult ‘shouts’ he had taken part in over the years, which totally captivated all those who were listening."

"David’s time served in Wells will never be forgotten and his longstanding contribution to the RNLI will live on in his memory - he was a legend."