
Spectacular mile-long flotilla finale for RNLI lifeboat festival
As the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, more than 40 rescue vessels, including both current and historical RNLI lifeboats as well as international boats, have come together to form a flotilla more than a mile long.
The flotilla, which closed the two-day event held in Poole, Dorset, consisted of more than 20 historic RNLI lifeboats, the current lifeboat fleet including the most modern 25-knot lifeboat, the Shannon class, alongside current inshore lifeboats and the RNLI inshore rescue hovercraft.
International lifeboats were welcomed as part of the two-day event having travelled from France, Netherlands, Germany and Sweden. The oldest rescue craft taking part was a Swedish rowing lifeboat from 1868.
RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowie said: ‘As we commemorate the RNLI’s 200th anniversary this year, it was very special to be able to invite supporters, volunteers, historic lifeboat owners, and international search and rescue partners to this event showcasing our lifesaving work and providing a glimpse behind the scenes.
‘The parade of sail was a wonderful spectacle to close the weekend’s festivities and illustrated the remarkable technological developments in lifeboat design since the RNLI was founded in 1824. Alongside our current fleet of state-of-the-art lifeboats and hovercraft, it was impressive to see lifeboats more than 100 years old on the water, which is testament to their original design and construction.’
The oldest RNLI vessel taking part in the flotilla, the rowing lifeboat, the William Riley, went on active service in 1909 and was credited with saving 35 lives in 1914 during the First World War. The hospital ship, SS Rohilla, which was carrying wounded soldiers from Dunkirk, was caught in a fierce storm and ran aground. Although being badly damaged itself in the rescue operation, the lifeboat spent 50 hours at sea.
The festival allowed supporters and enthusiasts to get a glimpse behind the scenes of the lifesaving charity. With doors open at the RNLI College, there were capsize demonstrations, water-based displays, guest speakers and an opportunity for visitors to step aboard some of the current fleet of lifeboats.
Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved 146,277 lives – this equates to an average of two lives saved every day for 200 years.
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.