Shooting community dig deep to buy the RNLI three new inshore lifeboats
A three-day event was held at the Warter Priory Estate in East Yorkshire including clay pigeon shooting, an auction and a ball, raising over £162,000
The original aim was to raise enough funds to buy Whitby RNLI a new inshore lifeboat, but this target was smashed within the first day and enough money for two more was raised during the fundraising event. The money will be used to buy a lifeboat for the RNLI relief fleet and another lifeboat for a station on the north east coast.
The new inshore lifeboat going to Whitby will be named Warter Priory and the two others will also have connected names yet to be announced.
Frank Croft, head keeper at Warter Priory said: 'Although we are a field sport and far away from the sea, we know what an important charity the RNLI are. Anyone could get caught out when visiting the coast, and to know they are there is a real reassurance.
'Here at Warter Priory we couldn't be prouder that our name will be on the new inshore lifeboat at Whitby. Mike Russell, Whitby's Coxswain is a regular here so it makes it extra special.'
Mike Russell Coxswain at Whitby RNLI said: 'We can't thank Warter Priory and everyone involved in the fundraising enough for the staggering amount of money they have raised.
'The inshore lifeboat is a crucial piece of equipment, it can get a lot closer to the shoreline than the big all-weather lifeboat, for example if someone gets cut off by the tide the boat can be launched in a matter minutes to bring people to safety.
'We've had our current boat 10 years so it was due to be replaced next year.'
Whitby's current inshore lifeboat, OEM Stone III, which was bought with money from a legacy, has rescued a total of 135 people. The new boat will come into operation early next year.
For more information contact Whitby Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.