Saving Lives at Sea returns for Second World War special with Dermot O'Leary

As the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) marks 200 years of lifesaving, the charity’s lifeboat crews are set to return to the nation’s television screens on 12 March in a special episode of popular TV show Saving Lives at Sea on BBC Two and iPlayer.

The episode, commissioned to mark the charity’s 200^th anniversary and guest presented by long-time RNLI supporter Dermot O’Leary, will take a closer look at RNLI crews’ involvement in the Second World War.

Viewers will be immersed in this decisive period of history, with Dermot visiting lifeboat stations around the coast uncovering the stories of the pivotal role that the RNLI and its crews played in some of the most important events of the time, including the evacuation of Dunkirk and the occupation of the Channel Islands.

Dermot said: ‘As an ambassador for the RNLI and a huge history fan, it was a privilege for me to uncover some of the untold stories that saw ordinary volunteers get involved in some of the most extraordinary events of the Second World War. The brave men and women we heard about left a real impression on me, as did the present-day volunteers I was able to meet along the way, who are still saving lives at sea today.’

Mark Dowie, RNLI Chief Executive, said: ‘Mark Dowie, RNLI Chief Executive, said: ‘As the RNLI marks 200 years of lifesaving, we look forward to seeing this very special episode of Saving Lives at Sea sharing some of our incredible stories from the Second World War. As viewers will see, our lifeboat crews played a remarkable role during the war, with stories of great tragedy and also immense bravery featured in the episode.

‘Over the course of the Second World War, the RNLI saved 6,376 lives. Our lifeboat crews towed vessels loaded with explosives, navigated minefields and rescued downed aircrew from both sides during the Battle of Britain.

‘And today, our selfless volunteers continue to go to the aid of those in peril at sea whoever they are and wherever they are from, just like our lifeboat crews have been doing for 200 years.’

Stations featured in the episode include Aldeburgh, Margate, St Peter Port, Cromer and Penlee. Saving Lives at Sea airs at 9pm on Tuesday 12 March on BBC Two and iPlayer.

Notes to Editors

• The series is made for the BBC by Blast! Films

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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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.