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Cromer RNLI’s new inshore lifeboat named during special ceremony

Lifeboats News Release

On Sunday 4 June, Cromer RNLI’s new D class inshore lifeboat D-868 Mr Eric Sharpe was officially named during a special ceremony and service of dedication that took place at the lifeboat station.

RNLI/Neil Longdin

Cromer RNLI service of dedication and naming ceremony


The lifeboat was named Mr Eric Sharpe. Mr Sharpe left a generous legacy to fund this lifesaving asset.

Richard Annis, Cromer RNLI Lifeboat Management Group Chair welcomed guests and opened the proceedings.

During the ceremony Mark Dowie, RNLI Chief Executive, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of the RNLI, and handed it into the care of Cromer Lifeboat Station.

Polly Clarke, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, accepted the lifeboat on behalf of Cromer Lifeboat Station and following the Service of Dedication, the donor representative of the late Eric Sharpe, officially named the lifeboat.

Reverend William Warren and Reverend Peter Streete lead the service of dedication, with a reading by Danny Cherry, Senior Helmsman.

Mr Eric Sharpe then launched to show its impressive sea capabilities.

Mark Dowie, RNLI Chief Executive said: ‘We have a very special lifesaving heritage here in Cromer, home to the RNLI’s most decorated lifesaver Henry Blogg. It’s wonderful to join our volunteers and staff today for the naming of the latest addition to their fleet, D class lifeboat RNLB Mr Eric Sharpe, the 54th lifeboat to be funded through the generosity of The Lifeboat Fund from a legacy donated by former civil servant Eric Sharpe. This weekend in Norfolk has been truly memorable with two very special events for the RNLI – yesterday in Wells and today here in Cromer.’*

Polly Clarke, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager at Cromer RNLI, said: ‘I think I speak for everyone gathered here today when I say that this is a very proud moment for Cromer RNLI.

‘Naturally we were very sad to bid farewell to our outgoing lifeboat George and Muriel, but we are also excited to embrace our new D class lifeboat Mr Eric Sharpe.

‘The D class is an amazing lifesaving asset and is the workhorse of our charity’s fleet. It will give our volunteer crew peace of mind every time they launch to know that they are heading out to save lives at sea in such a highly agile and manoeuvrable lifeboat.’

Notes to Editors

· Founded in 1866, The Lifeboat Fund is the RNLI's longest-standing contributor and its single biggest donor.

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Media Officer: [email protected] or telephone: 07824 518641.

RNLI/Neil Longdin

Mark Dowie, RNLI Chief Executive, accepts the lifeboat on behalf of the RNLI

RNLI/Neil Longdin

Polly Clarke, Cromer RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager accepts the lifeboat on behalf of Cromer RNLI

RNLI/Neil Longdin

Richard Annis, Cromer RNLI Lifeboat Management Group Chair opens proceedings

RNLI/Neil Longdin

D-868 Mr Eric Sharpe launches after the ceremony

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.