Torbay RNLI marks the retirement of a veteran volunteer crew member
Sunday 16th November marked the retirement of one of Torbay RNLI’s longest-serving lifeboat crew members, Gary ‘Fletch’ Fletcher after an incredible 28 years of volunteer service.
Joining the lifeboat crew in 1997, Fletch served initially as a crew member on our Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) and our All-Weather Lifeboat (ALB). With a background serving in the Royal Navy as a marine engineer, Fletch soon added a further role, becoming Deputy 2nd Mechanic on the ALB, helping to ensure the lifeboat’s operational readiness before, during and after shouts. And working as a paramedic for South Western Ambulance Trust for over 30 years alongside volunteering for the RNLI, Fletch was able to provide vital medical assistance to casualties – and save many lives - on numerous shouts.
Over the course of his 28 years service, Fletch attended well over 1,000 shouts. Most recently, Fletch was one of three Torbay RNLI crew members appearing in the latest series of Saving Lives at Sea on the BBC, recounting a dramatic shout in 2024 where the crew came to the aid of a stricken Brixham trawler and her crew out at sea.
The camaraderie of the lifeboat crew has always been an important part of Fletch’s RNLI ‘voyage’, as was demonstrated during the 2023 Kilimanjaro Challenge. Fletch, along with seven other long-serving crew members, climbed the 19,000-foot mountain, raising funds in aid of Torbay RNLI.
A keen walker and sailor, Fletch’s plans for his well-earned retirement include sailing along the south coast and tackling the Munros in Scotland. But we’re especially pleased – and honoured - that Fletch will continue to be part of the Torbay RNLI team, helping to mentor the next generation of lifeboat mechanics at the lifeboat station.
Following a final exercise on Sunday, Torbay RNLI crew members gave three cheers as Fletch disembarked the ALB for the final time before joining him in the boathouse for a final send-off.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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