In 1963, in response to an increasing amount of water-based leisure activity, the RNLI began trials of small fast Inshore lifeboats, placed at various locations around the country.

[2] At 20:17 on Monday 31 July 1978, the West Mersea lifeboat Alexander Duckham (B-529) was launched to reports of two children missing in a canoe.

En-route, with the weather now at force 7, the crew were informed that the two children were safe, but a flare had been sighted off Sales Point.

Helm Graham Knott was accorded 'The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum', with his two crew each receiving a 'Vellum Service Certificate'.

Helmsman James Albert Clarke was awarded 'The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum' for his seamanship, as was crewman French for his courage entering the water.

[5] By 1991, gifts, bequests, and a local fundraising appeal had raised £160,000, to provide West Mersea with a new lifeboat house, constructed 200 metres (660 ft) from the previous boathouse.

The lifeboat was funded by the employees of Dignity Caring Funeral Services, who had raised over £81,000 with various fundraising events.

At a ceremony on 31 May 2015, the lifeboat was named Just George (B-879) by TV personality Griff Rhys Jones OBE.