Blessing of boats is time for remembrance at RNLI Lyme Regis
An estimated two hundred people attended yesterday's (Sunday, May 26) Blessing of the Boats open air service at the RNLI lifeboat station in Lyme Regis.
The service was conducted by the Rev. Rosemary Bragg, interregnum vicar, with the Rev.Eric Holdstock from Lyme Regis Baptist Church.The lesson was read by the newly-elected mayor of Lyme Regis, Councillor Brian Larcombe.
Four wreaths were taken out to sea by the crew of the Lyme Regis lifeboat, Spirit of Loch Fyne, marking remembrance of those who have died at sea, but also celebrating 'relief and gratitude' for lifeboat crews, coastguards and helicopter crews, who have saved many lives.
Music for the service was provided by the Lyme Regis Town Band who performed in the boathouse.
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
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