The first lifeboat station in Dundalk Bay was established in 1859 following the loss of the Mary Stoddart in 1858. The Life Boathouse was erected by Lord Clermont and from 1859 to 1935 it had four lifeboats with the last two both being named the General R. Dudley Blake. The service was called out fourty times and saved eighty four lives.

UPDATE 2023

 This boat has had an amazing journey through history and was located near Hook Head lighthouse in Wexford. Ownership of the boat has been passed to the VisitBlackrock Tourism Group who organised Crowdfunding the boat back home to Blackrock Village in 2018. Its is in a secure location Co Louth and the plan is to begin a major restoration of the boat in 2023/24

All funds raised will go towards the restoration of the General R Dudley Blake Lifeboat.