RNLI Torbay to feature in BBC national news report on Shipping Forecast

Nick, and presenter Sarah Keith-Lucas, went aboard the Severn Class all-weather lifeboat to record an interview for the upcoming anniversary of the national forecast, describing how the RNLI have used the information over the years. They were joined in Brixham by Senior Broadcast Journalist for BBC News Nina Goswami and cameraman Anthony Clifford on what was a cold and grey November day.

The team had first briefly visited Torbay boathouse, then conducted the interview with Nick on board relief all-weather lifeboat Volunteer Spirit whilst she was moored to the lifeboat pontoon.

Most people in Britain – whether seafarers or not – are familiar with the soothing tones of the Shipping Forecast, which is issued four times a day at 2300, 0500, 1100 and 1700 UTC and covers a 24-hour period. Whether confirming calm conditions or warning of severe gales off our coastline, the familiar names like Cromarty, Rockall and German Bight have a poetic ring, but the forecast is still used by sailors alongside other technology (and can be crucial if other equipment has failed).

The full news feature will look at the history of the Forecast and include a fascinating visit to the Met Office in Exeter to see how delivering the service has evolved over the years. Torbay falls within sea area Portland, with bordering area Plymouth nearby.

The RNLI Torbay team were pleased to be involved – catch the feature on BBC News at Six (possibly also News at Ten) on Wednesday of next week, 29 November.

Notes to editors

Torbay Lifeboat Station Key Facts:

• Torbay lifeboat station has been operating since 1866. To learn more about the station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/torbay-lifeboat-station
• Coxswain of Torbay Lifeboat is Mark Criddle
• Further information on Torbay Lifeboat Station’s local activities can be found at: http://www.torbaylifeboat.co.uk/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnlitorbay
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RNLITorbay

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Victoria Bowen, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07794 043 428: [email protected] or contact Carrie Garrad, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07786 668 847: [email protected] or alternatively RNLI Public Relations at Poole HQ on 01202 336 789.

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.