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Gravesend RNLI crew commended for saving a life

Lifeboats News Release

Four crew members from Gravesend RNLI have received commendations after providing crucial roles in saving a life on 28 September 2023.

The four lifeboat crew on shift that day. Karla Thresher, Ty Milward, Andy Colley & Dave Parry

RNLI/Gravesend

The four lifeboat crew on shift that day. Karla Thresher, Ty Milward, Andy Colley & Dave Parry.

The lifeboat was tasked at 08:02am by HM Coastguard to reports of a swimmer in the water around Dartford Crossing.

Gravesend Station Manager Ian Smith said, ‘The reported swimmer was semi-conscious on arrival trying to float and stay above the water, Duty Commander Karla Thresher and lifeboat crew members Ty Milward, Andy Colley & Dave Parry demonstrated exceptional urgent casualty care skills once the casualty was brought on board and until South East Coast Ambulance Service arrived at Greenhithe Causeway.’

On-day Duty Commander Karla Thresher said, ‘Our volunteers train everyday so we’re ready and prepared for the unknown, it was a great display of teamwork and I am very proud to say the crew’s efforts made for a positive outcome’.

Each crew member onboard the Atlantic 85 class lifeboat that day received commendations from RNLI’s Lifesaving Operations Director John Payne, he said, ‘Your prompt actions and excellent casualty care without doubt ensured the survival of the casualty, your ongoing determination and commitment to saving lives at sea is greatly appreciated’.

ENDS


Notes to Editor

Gravesend is one of the RNLI’s newest lifeboat stations and one of four lifeboat stations operating on the River Thames – the first stations to specifically cover a river rather than estuarial waters or the sea.

Our lifeboat is Olive Laura Deare II, an Atlantic 85 B class inshore lifeboat, which is one of the fastest types in the fleet.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Ashley Bard, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Gravesend RNLI [email protected]

Hatti Mellor, Regional Communications Manager [email protected]

RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected]

Duty Thames Commander Karla Thresher holding commendation

RNLI/Gravesend

Duty Thames Commander Karla Thresher holding framed commendation letter.
Gravesend Volunteers Ty Milward, Dave Parry and Thames Commander Andy Colley (Central) holding commendations

RNLI/Gravesend

Gravesend Volunteers Ty Milward, Dave Parry and Thames Commander Andy Colley (Central) holding framed commendation letters.

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.

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