Local firm helps RNLI Rye Harbour to keep afloat

We are all in one way or another being affected by the petrol ‘crisis’, whether it has been not being able to get to work because of no petrol in our tanks or deliveries being late.

It is very British in times like these to pull together and support one another. There have been many days of long queues of people waiting for tankers to arrive especially in and around Rye. Social media has played a vital role in alerting people to which garages are open and when the petrol was due to arrive. Jempson’s has been sending out daily updates to help people manage their needs better. Some people requiring only groceries could not access stores as the petrol queues were getting in the way. Forecourt manager, Louis Loades, of Jempson’s Peasmarsh petrol station and his team have been working six days in a row and for many, many longer hours than normal to help minimise the stress at the pumps.

Louis told me that they have been amazed at the kindness of the public who have been giving them treats, cakes and cards to thank them for how they have dealt with the long queues.

“We have been mindful of the needs of care-workers, doctors, nurses and all the emergency services and helping where we could. The RNLI at Rye Harbour was very low on fuel which meant that launching for a shout was in jeopardy. We were able to organise their petrol needs for the Atlantic 85 and ensure there was enough fuel for four trips. I would like to thank my team for remaining calm and helpful throughout even though they were often tired. Ethan, my right-hand man, worked alongside me marshalling traffic and keeping things moving.”

Stephen Jempson, owner of the family firm, commented today,

“We are pleased to have been of assistance to the crew at RNLI Rye Harbour during the present fuel crisis. From the outset of the operation we have recognised the valuable work they do alongside the key worker community and are pleased to open up our Fuel supply to them as required.”

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.