A warm welcome in Whitby for the new Launch a Memory Lifeboat.
The harbour was lined with well wishers today (Sunday 11 June) as the lifeboat arrived in Whitby.
These numbers have special significance as they carry the names of 10,000 loved ones as part of the Launch a Memory campaign.
The Lifeboat entered the harbour in a flotilla, following RNLI tradition, with the current all weather lifeboat George and Mary Webb leading the procession, as well as the inshore lifeboat and lifeboats from the flanking stations, Scarborough, Staithes and Runswick.
Members of Whitby Yacht Club and local pleasure boats also headed out to greet the new lifeboat as well as the old rowing lifeboat William Riley.
The piers and harbour were lined with well wishes who cheered as the flotilla entered the harbour.
Whitby RNLI Coxswain Howard Fields said: 'It was a very emotional day, to be part of the town and the RNLI's history is a real privilege, and knowing how much the lifeboat means to those who have donated to put names on her makes it all the more poignant. Thank you to every one who came out to show us support today and made it such a special occasion.'
He added: 'Training begins tomorrow morning for our volunteer crew who are excited to start this new chapter for Whitby RNLI.'
The crew will be training daily in order to make sure that the Shannon class lifeboat can become a lifesaving asset as soon as possible. We recommend waiting until this training is complete for the best chance of seeing the lifeboat on station.
As the lifeboat will be moored on a pontoon with no public access it will not be possible to see the names up close. However there will be an event later in the year for donors to see the lifeboat out of the water, and plans to put some permanent signs up at the Lifeboat Station bearing the names. Keep an eye on our social media for updates. Thank you for your support.
For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [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, 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.