RNLI Humber lifeboat crew say a fond farewell to one of the station's mechanics
Humber lifeboat station, the only RNLI coastal station with a full time crew, have today said goodbye and good luck to one of their mechanics. The station also welcomes the promotions of one of their 2nd Coxswains to Coxswain and one of their Assistant Mechanics to Station Mechanic.
Monday 11 February marked the last day on shift for RNLI Humber lifeboat station mechanic Ed Kilsby, who joined the team at Spurn Point in April 2014, from his previous role in the RNLI as a System Technician. During the 5 years that Ed has served on the Humber lifeboat, he has taken command of the lifeboat's machinery on countless numbers of exercises and service calls. Ed will now move into a new role within the RNLI as a Fleet Staff Mechanic, providing mechanical cover at stations throughout the UK as and when it is required, as well as being involved in projects to improve the charity's fleet of all-weather lifeboats.
Ed Kilsby, RNLI Fleet Staff Mechanic, says: ‘Moving from the RNLI Coastal Technical Department to Humber lifeboat station 5 years ago has given me the opportunity to go to sea and be a part of the rescue side of the RNLI. My time at Spurn Point has been an extremely enjoyable one and I have had some very good time. My new role will still allow me to continue going to sea on rescue operations, but will also provide me with new challenges and experiences.’
The station also sees two of their existing crew members gain promotion from their current roles. Joe Pieniak has been promoted to Coxswain after serving the Humber lifeboat as 2nd Coxswain since 2017. Joe’s new role will see him leading one of the two shifts at RNLI Humber lifeboat station, commanding the crew and lifeboat on services and exercise. Liam Dunnett has also gained promotion to Mechanic; he had previously serviced the Humber lifeboat as the Assistant Mechanic since 2016. Liam’s new role will see him take command of the lifeboat's machinery while at sea and carry out the maintenance required while he is on shift at Spurn Point.
The station will be looking to recruit a 2nd Coxswain and an Assistant Mechanic in the coming weeks. Please visit www.rnli.org.uk and follow the link for Recruitment, for more information on employment roles within the RNLI.
Notes to editors
Humber Lifeboat Station has the only full time all-weather lifeboat crew in the RNLI and has been saving lives at sea since 1810.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Lifeboat Press Officers Liam Dunnett & Mark Stanbra on 01964 650228 or Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07824 518641 or at Clare_Hopps@rnli.org.uk
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press
Key facts about the RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 238 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 240 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.
The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 or by email.
The RNLI is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number 20003326 in the Republic of Ireland