Tributes have been paid to Kevin Clark, a 37-year-old RNLI crew member from Dover, who died in April while responding to a medical emergency at sea. His colleagues and community have described him as a courageous, selfless hero who gave his life doing what he loved most.
A member of the Dover lifeboat station since 2019, Kevin served with distinction, participating in 184 rescue missions and saving 55 lives directly across nearly 400 hours of operational duty.
Devoted to Duty, Family, and Crew
Kevin, a husband and father, is remembered for his quiet humility, dedication to others, and a sense of humour that lifted spirits in the darkest of times.
“Kevin passed doing what he loved most; in the service of others,” said a Dover RNLI spokesperson.
“He was the heart of our crew—brave, skilled, and always ready to bring a smile, even in a storm.”
Private Farewell and Public Legacy
Kevin was laid to rest at a private ceremony on May 19, followed by a celebration of life at the Best Western Dover Marina Hotel. He leaves behind his wife Zara and their young son Finley.
His memory has inspired an outpouring of community support, with over £1,300 raised in his name to support RNLI Dover’s life-saving work.
Honours and Recognition
In 2024, Kevin was invited to Buckingham Palace to mark the RNLI’s bicentenary, where he received a Velum of Thanks for a daring rescue on December 14, 2022, involving a sinking vessel in rough seas.
A Lifeboatman and Arsenal Fan
Away from the sea, Kevin was an avid Arsenal supporter, a loyal friend, and a beloved member of the Dover community. Colleagues describe his presence as “an anchor in every shout.”
“To those he leaves behind, he will always be our yellow welly-wearing hero.”
