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Its In-D-ependence Day for RNLI Blyth

Lifeboats News Release

On Tuesday 4 July RNLI Blyth received a new D class inshore lifeboat

RNLI/Robin Palmer

The new D class inshore lifeboat 'Sally Forth' outside of Blyth Lifeboat Station
As well as it being Independence Day it was a special day at RNLI Blyth with the delivery of a new D class inshore lifeboat.

It saw the out going of D-746 'Alan & Amy' and the arrival of D-878 'Sally Forth'.

The arrival comes shortly after the RNLI celebrating 60 years of their inshore lifeboats saving lives.

Introduced in 1963, the inshore lifeboat continues to be an invaluable asset in the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) fleet as new figures show the charity’s Inshore lifeboats have saved 30,778* lives across 60 years.

The inshore lifeboat has enabled the charity’s volunteer crews to carry out their lifesaving work closer to shore, in areas inaccessible to other lifeboats in the fleet. Designed to be quick and manoeuvrable, inshore lifeboats can operate in shallower water, near cliffs and rocks meaning crews can get as close as possible to those in trouble.

Since RNLI Blyth have had their D class inshore lifeboat on station it has gone on to launch 478 times, saved 55 lives and aided 290 people.

Steven Fitch, Helm at Blyth RNLI lifeboat station said:

'Our D class inshore lifeboats over the years have enabled our volunteer crew to reach areas close to shore, cliffs and rocks to rescue people in trouble. These fast and highly manoeuvrable lifesaving craft answered the need for a quicker and more agile response to rescues in areas of water that were more challenging to the larger and slower all-weather lifeboats.

The D class inshore lifeboats are a part of our community and suit the demands of the rescues we attend making, with its unique features and capabilities has made a huge difference to the efficiency and effectiveness of our 24/7 search and rescue service.

'Sally Forth' no doubt will continue to aid many people in difficult situations, whether that’s people being cut off by the tide, boats in trouble or water users in need of our help.

The D class is the best boat in the fleet in my opinion. She’s an understated pocket rocket.’

Alongside the 'Sally Forth', we also have our B class inshore lifeboat which has launched 90 times and saved 5 lives and aided 112 people which will also be on view.

The RNLI builds and maintains most of its inshore lifeboats in house at their Inshore Lifeboat Centre in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. This allows the charity to have greater control over costs and quality ensuring they produce the best lifesaving asset for their crews and spend their supporters’ donations in the most efficient and effective way.

There is the opportunity to come down this Saturday 8 July between 10am and 3pm when the Annual Crew Car Wash takes place. So you can have a look around the Station and see the new D class lifeboat.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Robin Palmer, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07801 290638 or [email protected] or Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer (North and East) on 07824 518641 or [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

RNLI/Robin Palmer

'Sally Forth' the new D Class lifeboat at RNLI Blyth

RNLI/Robin Palmer

D-878 'Sally Forth' afloat for the first time on the River Blyth

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, Twitter 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.

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