RNLI in IoM launched 40 times in 2024 as charity puts out its own Mayday call

RNLI lifeboats based at the charity’s five lifeboat stations on the island launched 40 times, saving four lives as the charity marked 200 years of saving lives at sea.

Across the British Isles the charity’s lifeboats were launched over 9,100 times in 2024, making it the fourth-busiest year in the charity’s 201-year history.

On the Isle of Man, RNLI lifeboats were busier than ever and both launch figures and the number of people aided increased from the previous year. In 2023 Isle of Man lifeboats launched 31 times with an increase to 40 in 2024. In 2023 two lives were saved and this figure doubled to four last year. The number of people aided rose from 27 in 2023 to 53 in 2024.

Douglas and Port St Mary lifeboats had the most launches, and each of the island’s lifeboat stations had an increase on their launches figure from the previous year. The volunteer crew at Port Erin were responsible for saving three lives last year.

Over 75% of the total lifeboat launches were within five nautical miles or less of the shore, and the majority of these shouts involved power boats, sailing vessels or manual watercraft – such as paddleboards / kayaks.

The demand for the charity’s lifesaving service remains high. The charity is putting out its own ‘Mayday’ call, and urging the public to get involved with its biggest national fundraising event, the Mayday Mile.

Participants are challenged to cover a mile a day for the month of May, with every penny raised helping to make sure that the charity’s lifesavers have everything they need to keep people safe this summer and beyond. Running a 24/7 lifesaving service is expensive and costs are rising - in 2023, it cost over £190M to run the RNLI.

There are a number of Mayday events happening across the island that people can support. Later this month on Sunday 27 April, Douglas RNLI are hosting their hugely popular Tower of Refuge Walk and a Fish Supper at The Welbeck Hotel on Friday 2 May. Ramsey RNLI will be hosting a Mayday Open Garden event at Ballathor on Sunday 18 May. Peel RNLI are hosting Mine’s a Shanty’ Choir event (8 May), as well as a Crew Car Wash on Sunday 18 May (the latest information about these events can be found on the individual station’s Facebook pages).

Dani Beckett, RNLI Community Manager says: ‘Usually it’s our crew heading out to respond to Mayday calls, but now we’re the ones asking for help. Thousands of people get into danger on and around the water each year and need our help, but everything we do is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.’

Whether you choose to walk, jog, hop or skip, a mile every day in May will help raise vital funds for RNLI lifesavers, so that they can continue to keep people safe at sea.

Dani added: ‘It’s clear from these new figures that demand for our services remains high, with our lifesavers dropping everything to run to the lifeboat station when the call comes. We’re now heading towards our busiest time of year, so we’re putting out our call for help to raise the funds which will help keep our lifesaving service going today, and allow us to be there when we’re needed most.’

To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday.

Notes to editor

• A selection of RNLI IoM images can be viewed and downloaded here: https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/984F2506-6E4A-4FD3-8B1C5BCBD9530A1F/

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on [email protected] or 07977 728 315 or alternatively you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

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.