
Whitby RNLI paged minutes before Bicentenary church service.
Three of the lifeboat crew missed the service as they were aboard the inshore lifeboat today (Saturday 23 June.)
The church service, at St Mary's Church in Whitby was part of a series of events to commemorate 200 years of the RNLI in 2024.
The lifeboat crew were just preparing to attend the ceremony when the pagers sounded.
Three of the crew launched the inshore lifeboat and headed to Robin Hood's Bay, where along with the Coastguard and Police they managed to reunite a child and parent who had become separated on the beach.
The call out initially began as a search, but as the Coastguard reunited the family on the beach, they were then transferred to the inshore lifeboat due to the incoming tide.
Rob Garrett who was helm on the inshore lifeboat said: 'The tide wasn't fully in but after their ordeal of being separated they were shaken up so we escorted them back to the slipway in the inshore lifeboat.
Many thanks to the local police and Coastguard who helped resolve this situation very quickly, reuniting the family on the beach.'
Meanwhile the rest of the crew were commemorating 200 years of the RNLI.
The service was led by the Bishop of Whitby and included readings and the crew pledge.
Three volunteer crew members read the names of lives lost in duty from Whitby, Staithes, Runswick and Robin Hood's Bay, and a wreath was laid in their memory.
Launch Authority and museum curator Neil Williamson gave a brief history of lifeboating in whitby and songs were enjoyed from Marske Fisherman's Choir.
Station Chairman Mike Major who organised the service said: It was very poignant to join the lifeboat crew, volunteers and their families to commemorate those lost at sea, but we also reflected on the commitment made by our volunteers and gave thanks to all those who support the charity, enabling the crew to save lives at sea.
The fact that the crew were at sea, at the same time as the service made it even more poignant celebrating their dedication.'
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.
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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.