Naming ceremony and dedication of Craster RNLI Lifeboat

Craster's new D-Class lifeboat was from the legacy of a Charles B Campbell's will and - SKPR James Ballard RNVR DSC D-839.

The lifeboat was named after a gentleman that was a Skipper of a Armoured trawler during WW I who captured German sailors off the north east coast of Scotland.

The event wasn't just about the naming of the lifeboat it was also the dedication of the first lifeboat to be placed on service at Craster in August 1969.

RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager, Ben Mitchell also made a couple of presentations. Firstly to the station's Lifeboat Operations Manager, Kevin Brown for 40 years dedication to the RNLI. Having first served as a crew member then becoming Lifeboat operations Manager in 1989.

Secondly there were dedications to former crew members and fundraising committee members to commend their years of hard work helping the station raise vital funds. This helped provide the station with training equipment to help train the crew. Without such support, the station would not have been able to continue training new crew to help save lives at sea.

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.