Soon after 18:45 on 22 December 1877, the Storm Sprite was launched to the aid of the schooner Vier Broders, on passage from Groningen to Portsmouth, when she stranded in low water and later broke up.

[2] On the 15 November 1928, Rye Harbour lifeboat Mary Stanford (ON 661) was launched into a south west gale, to the aid of the Alice of Riga.

[10] A memorial tablet made of Manx stone was presented to Rye Harbour by the people of the Isle of Man.

[2] In 1964, in response to an increasing amount of water-based leisure activity, the RNLI placed 25 small fast Inshore lifeboats around the country.

In addition to housing the Atlantic-class lifeboat, bespoke 'Drive-Off - Drive On' (Do-Do) trailer, and Talus MB-4H amphibious tractor, new crew facilities were provided, with a kit room, workshop and toilets, and a retail outlet.

At a double ceremony on 19 October 1996, the boathouse was officially opened, along with the naming of the new B-class (Atlantic 75) lifeboat Commander & Mrs Rodney Wells (B-727).