This old relic has been running up and down the pier for over 20 years now - and so has the Lifeboat buggy pictured above.
In fact go back 30 years to 1st March 1979 and it was then that a teenage Michael Whistler joined the Southend Lifeboat crew. In that time he has served in many notable services and his service history is dotted with various accolades by both the RNLI and the local Council.
His record is truly one to be proud of and although many aspire to emulate this feat it will be a tough one to match. What's more, 30 years later, and he shows no sign of slowing down! His pager is still on 5 days a week, plus normal weekend duties, and if that is not enough - he also maintains the Lifeboats and Hovercraft with John and Giles.
Quite how he can run his own business and yet still be the first to turn out remains a mystery.
For us at Southend Lifeboat, Michael defines the word 'commitment'.
So congratulations Michael on giving 30 years to Southend Lifeboat and may our longest serving crewman continue for many years to come yet.