Crew: Paul Williams

Paul lives very close to the lifeboat station with a house that overlooks the sea. Paul has owned his own fishing vessel since being a teenager and has a vast wealth of experience of the North Sea. Paul and the late coxswain Benny Read worked together as full time fishermen, on one occasion the lifeboat was forced to launch, when the nets that they were fishing became so full of herring, they were in danger of sinking.

Today because of the decline in the fishing industry Paul has returned to his original occupation of mechanic and runs his own garage in Caister village along with his son Tommy. The family involvement goes much deeper with both Paul's late father and his mother June being part of the lifeboat and fishing community. June still fund raises and on Lifeboat day runs the cake stall, with her own homebake produce. Paul's partner Bridget is a member of the Appeal Committee.

In February 2001 Paul was coxswain of the Bernard Matthews on the longest mission which was to the bulk gas carrier Kilgas Centurion which was aground on Horsey Beach, the lifeboat was at sea for 38½ hrs.

Paul is renowned for his dry humour and quiet personality.