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RNLI Humber lifeboat crew say a fond farewell to one of the station's mechanics

Lifeboats News Release

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.

Ed Kilsby Departing Humber Mechanic

RNLI/Liam Dunnett

Ed Kilsby (Fleet Staff 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.

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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 [email protected]

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Joe Pieniak newly appointed Coxswain & Liam Dunnett newly appointed Mechanic

RNLI/Liam Dunnett

Joe Pieniak - Coxswain (left) & Liam Dunnett - Mechanic (right)

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.

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