In 1892 the RNLI decided to replace the lifeboat with a new one and also to send a launching carriage to the Station and placed an order for this with the Bristol Works Company.  the new lifeboat was ordered from McAlister of Dumbarton and was 34' long with a beam of 8'.  The cost was met by a gift of £700 received by the RNLI from Mrs. J. Silkenstadt of Didsbury, Manchester.  The lifeboat was to be called 'Alfred S. Genth' and she arrived on November 25th 1892.

The old lifeboat was left at the Station for disposal, but as there was no sale she was broken up the following year.  The service of dedication for the new lifeboat was held on January 11th 1893;  about 250 people were present and Simms Reeve, Chairman of the Brancaster branch of the RNLI presided.  The lifeboat was handed over by Mr. Genth brother of the donor and after dedication by the Rev. H.E. Bulwer was christened 'Alfred S. Genth' by Miss Grace Kerslake, daughter of the Hon. Secretary.

The lifeboat was launched twice in five days in October 1896.  On the 12th a barge, the 'Ruby'' of London, ran aground near the Woolpack sands and the lifeboat launched to go  to her assistance.  Owing to the gale force winds and strong tide setting to the westward, the lifeboat was unable to reach her and was taken to Hunstanton.  Later the 'Ruby' refloated on the rising tide and came ashore at Hunstanton.  The Hunstanton lifeboat 'Licenses Victualler' launched and saved the crew of four and later helped to save the vessel. 

The 'Alfred S. Genth' returning from a practice launch in 1902

On the 16th of October at 10.30pm the lifeboat was launched, flares being seen to the northwest.  They ceased burning about 11.30pm and as the crew were unable to find the vessel in the dark, they rode at anchor for the remainder of the night.   As the day dawned, they spotted the Hull sailing trawler 'Silver King' lying wrecked on the northeast point of the Middle Sand about one mile to the leeward.  The crew of the 'Silver King' were in a small boat holding on to the wreck by a rope.  As soon as it was light, they left the wreck and having only one oar began drifting towards the heavy breakers on the sands.  The lifeboat came up in time to save all six members of the crew who were in a very exhausted condition and were landed at Hunstanton about 8am on the 17th.

During the morning of the 29th November with a gale blowing from the northwest, the sea broke through the bank and flooded the Deepdale marshes.  In the afternoon of the same day a small sailing vessel of Blakeney was lost with all hands on the Middle Sands five to six miles from Hunstanton.  She was the "John Lee", a ketch of 110 tons and her captain's name was Bowles.  She had left Blakeney the previous day with a cargo of wheat.

In 1898, Thomas Lane resigned from the post of lifeboat coxswain through failing eyesight after 23 years of service.  He had previously served one year as second coxswain.  The RNLI awarded him an annual pension of £11.15s and a long service certificate.  R.E. Loose was promoted to coxswain.   The Hon. Secretary ordered the look-out pulled down in December the same year as it was in a defective condition. 

next page