Alexandra 1862
Returning a Lifeboat to the Heart of Timaru
A Maritime Treasure Returns
The 1862 Alexandra lifeboat is one of South Canterbury's special maritime treasures. Long before roads stitched the region together, rescue was done by oar and courage, and the Alexandra was at the centre of it.
Built in England and arriving in Timaru in 1863, she is today one of the oldest surviving lifeboats of her kind anywhere in the world. In 2025, thanks to the Lions Club of Timaru Host Inc and a dedicated community, she returned to Caroline Bay in a purpose-built shelter where her story can finally be told properly.
The Story of Survival
Named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark, this vessel served the harbour through some of its most dramatic years. Her history is one of risk, loss, and volunteer grit.
The Legend of Black Sunday (1882): On May 14, 1882, a calm sky turned treacherous. The Benvenue and City of Perth were in distress. The Alexandra crew launched into heaving seas. Despite capsizing four times, they saved 43 lives. Tragically, 10 lives were lost that day, but the Alexandra's legacy as a saviour was sealed.
For decades, she was cared for by the Timaru Harbour Board, the Timaru Borough Council, and later the Timaru Maritime and Transportation Trust. Now, she rests close to the water she once faced, a memorial to those who refused to give up.
The Alexandra served during an era when Timaru's coast was exposed and unforgiving.
A Home for Heroes
Bringing the boat back to the bay was a long-held community dream. To celebrate their 60th anniversary, the Lions Club of Timaru Host Inc undertook the ambitious project to create a permanent home for the Alexandra.
A purpose-built structure was designed and constructed by Thompson Engineering, with WuHoo Timaru researching and presenting the maritime history for the new interpretive signage. It is a calm and dignified tribute to Timaru's maritime past.
WuHoo! Learn & Play
Explore the history of the Alexandra with these free activities, fact sheets, and challenges.
Alexandra Fact Sheet
Discover why this boat matters, how she was built, and the timeline of her journey.
Download PDF
Crack the Codes
Learn Morse Code, Semaphore, and Flag Signals just like the sailors used!
Go to ActivityGet Creative
Colour in the Alexandra, design your own bravery medal, or create a stamp.
Colour InDesign a Medal
Our Supporters
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our partners and sponsors.
Project Partners
- Lions Club of Timaru Host Inc
- Thompson Engineering – Shelter design and supply
- Aoraki Foundation – Fundraising support
- WuHoo Timaru – Research & graphic design
- Branded Klutch – Sign writing
Major Sponsors
- Platinum: NZ Lotteries Grant Board, Community Trust South, Pub Charity Limited.
- Diamond: Timaru District Council, Lions International Foundation.
- Gold: PrimePort Timaru, RSM Law, Trust Aoraki.
- Silver: MediaWorks, Parry & Co, H J Allan Holdings, Lions Clubs of Temuka & Pleasant Point.