Two mariners stand proudly by their new lifeboat which is displayed on dry land at Port MacDonnell in South Australia. The Undaunted replaced the 40 year old Percy, which would be moved to Victor Harbor as a temporary replacement.

The Port MacDonnell lifeboat crew had a reputation as hardy seamen who had made a number of difficult rescues over the years. Their station was one of the oldest in the state having been established in 1861.

The lifeboat service had been established following the wreck of the Admella in 1859 off Cape Northumberland in the south-east. Further boats were stationed at Robe and the Murray Mouth, and later at Beachport and Semaphore. The boat at the Murray Mouth was later moved to Port Elliot and then to Victor Harbor. Rocket apparatus was also positioned at Port Willunga, Port Elliot, Robe, Port MacDonnell, Sturt lighthouse (Cape Willoughby), Flinders lighthouse (Cape Borda), and Port Lincoln, with subsequent additions to this. In 1888 management of the lifeboat service was taken over by the colonial navy and regular training sessions and maintenance of gear undertaken by the crew of HMCS Protector. In 1909 following the formation of the Commonwealth Navy, the management of the lifeboat service was placed in the control of the Marine Board.