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Appledore RNLI celebrate duo retiring after 80 years combined lifesaving

Lifeboats News Release

A very special lifeboat exercise for Appledore RNLI – end of an era and a standing ovation for 80 years of unstinting lifesaving service.

RNLI/Appledore

Retiring RNLI Coxswain Martin Cox and mechanic Owen Atkinson
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On Tuesday 1 April Appledore RNLI had a very special and meaningful lifeboat exercise: the last exercise for both our full time Coxswain, Martin Cox, and full time mechanic, Owen Atkinson. Between the two of them this amounts to 80 years of RNLI experience of saving lives at sea.

We are delighted that, although retiring after fifteen years as full time Mechanic , Owen, a lifeboat Helm, Coxswain and Mechanic (amongst his other numerous RNLI positions), will remain with us, on the pager, as a volunteer to add even longer to his 33 years RNLI service.

Very sadly after 47 years with the service, the last 20 of which was as our full time Coxswain, Martin is handing in his pager and will be leaving the service.

As the two stepped down from the boarding boat on their return to station, they were thanked for all their lifesaving service, help, mentoring, training and so much else they have given to the station and its individuals, by a standing ovation from the crew.

In addition to acknowledging all the hundreds of people rescued and lives saved, Appledore’s RNLI Area Operation’s Manager Phil Hill goes on to say:

‘Both Owen and Martin leave the station in an incredibly healthy condition. This does not happen by chance. The inclusiveness, diversity, comradery, training and sense of family are simply second to none within the team at Appledore. Not only have they focused on the here and now; they have set the station up for a healthy future to go forward for the next 200 years. A perfect legacy from you both’

Owen and Martin retire on Friday 4 April at 5 pm. Have wonderful futures and thank you so much for all you have done, Owen and Martin, both legends.

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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Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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