Portsmouth RNLI support Cathedral of the Sea in annual blessing service

In blustery conditions and chilly sea temperatures, both the B class Norma T (B846) and the D Class Dennis Faro (D850) were on hand to provide support as a few courageous parishioners from the Cathedral braved bracing conditions at the Hot Walls beach in Southsea, on Sunday morning.

The annual ‘Blessing of the Sea’ took place at the end of the regular Sunday service marking the Baptism of Christ in Portsmouth Cathedral the Cathedral of the Sea and reflects the importance of the Sea to so many in Portsmouth. The short service, attended by the Dean of Portsmouth, the Very Reverend Anthony Cane, included prayers, a blessing and a hymn led by the Cathedral Choir, before some of the assembled congregation braved the chilly conditions to take a dip, carefully watched over by both Portsmouth lifeboats.

Reflecting on the spiritual and community significance of this service, the Canon Precentor at the Cathedral, Canon Jo Spreadbury said, ‘It is so reassuring to know that the RNLI lifeboats are there 24/7 all year round, and in all weathers. Even though the conditions this year meant that few people took to the water compared to previous years, we are deeply grateful that the volunteer crews took time out of their valuable training to help oversee this important local tradition safely’.

Both lifeboats conduct routine training twice a week, in daylight and the dark; in good weather and bad, to ensure that volunteer crews stay at the peak of operational competence and confidence. This is in order that they are ready to come to the assistance of anyone in distress. Throughout this routine training both boats remain ‘SAR Capable’: ready for emergency callout at any time, if tasked by HM Coastguard after a 999 call from the public.

Media Contact Alex Lochrane Portsmouth RNLI Volunteer Press Officer [email protected] or Jess Curtis [email protected] 07483488243

Notes to Editors

· Portsmouth lifeboat station as two Inshore Lifeboats (ILB): the Norma T (B846): an 8.5m Atlantic 85 RIB, with up to four crew and a top speed of up to 35kts; and the Dennis Faro (D850): a 5m inflatable, with a crew of 3 and a top speed of up to 25kts.

· The RNLI, a registered Charity founded in 1824, receives no government funding and relies on public donations in order to provide its lifesaving service.

· To make a donation, please visit: Donate to the RNLI and help save lives at sea

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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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