Redcar RNLI's most decorated helm steps down

During his time, he was involved in a number of rescues which earned Mark and his fellow crew members recognition from the RNLI. As well as a number of formal letters of thanks from regional and national RNLI officials, he received two formal Thanks of the Institution on Velum, one of the highest awards the RNLI bestows.

The first was for the rescue of a man and woman, and their dog, from the base of Huntcliff, Saltburn in 1992. Then in August 2003 Mark was in charge of the lifeboat when it was called to rescue a lifeguard who had themselves got into difficulties during a rescue, again at Saltburn.

This was to be one of Marks most memorable rescues, and, as well as receiving a second Velum for it, he was awarded the prestigious Walter & Elizabeth Groombridge Award, a special award given for the most meritorious inshore lifeboat rescue each year.

Mark also recalls the part he played in the rescue of the crew of the fishing boat Gang Warily, who were in real danger of losing their lives when their fishing boat was smashed against rocks at Saltburn in August 1989. For this rescue the coxswain of the Teesmouth lifeboat, Peter Race, was awarded the RNLI’s Bronze Medal for bravery, while Mark and his fellow crew members on the Redcar lifeboat that day were recognised for their part in the successful rescue.

Mark said: ‘My time with the lifeboat has been amazing. It’s been so rewarding. I’m lucky to have been given the chance to help save peoples’ lives and I wish the crew all the best for the future.’

As Mark steps down from the RNLI because of work and family commitments, Mike Picknett, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Redcar said: ‘Mark served the RNLI Redcar station for over 30 years.

‘His commitment and dedication were second to none, and during his service he completed hundreds of rescues, saving many lives. He is a great character and always had a smile on his face, despite having to lead crews through some very challenging calls.

‘Mark has the honour of holding the highest number of bravery awards of any crew member in Redcar’s history. He should be very proud of this. It’s a true testament to his service with the RNLI.’

Ends

Notes to editors:

Attached are images mark Reeves with his Service Velum and leaving gift from his fellow crew members. Credit RNLI/Dave Cocks

Redcar lifeboat station has been operating since 1802

Redcar currently operates a B-class lifeboat named Leicester Challenge III, paid for by the people of Leicester, and an IB1-class lifeboat named Eileen May Loach-Thomas, paid from the legacy of the late Mr Nick Thomas of Shropshire

For more news, information and images go to www.redcarlifeboat.org.uk. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/redcarrnli and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RedcarRNLI

Any images used should be credited RNLI/Redcar unless indicated

RNLI media contacts:

For more information please contact Dave Cocks, RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07894 558 483. Alternatively, contact Clare Hopps, RNLI Press Officer, North 07824 518641 or at [email protected], or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789; [email protected]

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok 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 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.