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Dungeness RNLI volunteer retires after 23 years’ dedicated service

Lifeboats News Release

Peter Birthright joined the RNLI in Gravesend as a Helm in 2001 where he served for 19 years in command of the B Class lifeboat on the River Thames during many challenging rescues.

RNLI/Sarah Beck

Peter receiving his certificate of service from coxswain Jason Adams

In 2020, Peter took retirement from his full time role at Gravesend Lifeboat Station and joined Dungeness RNLI as a volunteer on the shore crew where he spent 4 years as an integral part of the team during some of the station’s busiest years.

Area Operations Manager, Jason Carroll, says:

‘I have had the privilege of working with Pete at Gravesend when I was his line manager and as an area operations manager during his years at Dungeness. Pete has been a dedicated, passionate and loyal member of the institution and has been a joy to work with. He exemplifies all of the RNLI’s core values: Selflessness, Courageousness, Trustworthiness and Dependability.’

On Friday 30 August, volunteers from Dungeness RNLI gathered together to present Peter with his Certificate of Service signed by the Chief Executive of the RNLI and outlining his many achievements and roles during his 23 years’ service.

Vicky Morgan, Lifeboat Operations Manager, says:


‘Pete should be incredibly proud of all he has accomplished in his 23 years serving the RNLI and saving lives at sea. During his time, rescued 143 people – an outstanding achievement. Everyone at station wishes him a peaceful retirement and we will all miss him at station.’

If you are interested in volunteering for Dungeness RNLI Lifeboat Station, we have a number or roles available both afloat and shore based. Please contact the station on 01797 320317 or [email protected] if you would like to take on a new challenge and become part of the charity that saves lives at sea.

Notes to Editors

· Dungeness lifeboat station has been running since 1826.

· The station received the first Shannon-class lifeboat in the RNLI fleet – The Morrell

· The station is famous for its Lady Launchers, local women and wives of the crew who helped launch the lifeboat until 1977.

Ends

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Sarah Beck, Dungeness Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or 07956 615429, Hatti Mellor, Regional Media Officer on 07724801305 or [email protected] or alternatively, Regional Media Manager Julie Rainey on 07827 358256 or [email protected]. RNLI Press Office is available 24/7 365 days a year on 01202 336789.

RNLI/Sarah Beck

Peter with some of the Dungeness volunteers

RNLI/Sarah Beck

Peter's Certificate of Service

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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