Dungeness RNLI volunteer retires after decades of service

Over the decades, Peter has seen multiple crews and lifeboats and witnessed the huge technical changes and advancements that continue evolving to this day. His volunteering career has seen roles on shore and on the lifeboat as boat crew and Assistant Mechanic before taking on the Lifeboat Management Group (LMG) Chair role.

Peter received a Bronze Gallantry Medal for the landing of an injured man from the motor vessel Merc Texco on 11 February 1974. The lifeboat launched into very dangerous surf conditions to the Merc Texco. The lifeboat required two attempts before Assistant Mechanic Peter Thomas could board the vessel and assist in taking the injured man off.

In recent years, in his tenure as LMG Chair, one of Peter’s key roles was to organise the Annual Blessing of the Lifeboat, an important ceremony held every September bringing together members of the community to celebrate the work of the lifeboat and her crew.

Lifeboat Operations Manager, Vicky Morgan, says:

‘Peter has an incredible history at Dungeness Lifeboat Station and has shown great commitment to the RNLI. Having held many roles over a number of decades and his remarkable achievement in receiving the Bronze Medal. We thank him for all his has done and he will be sorely missed.’

If you are interested in volunteering at Dungeness RNLI, we have a number of opportunities available, no maritime experience needed. Contact [email protected] or 01797 320317 for more information.

Notes to Editors

· Dungeness lifeboat station has been running since 1826.

· The station received the first Shannon class lifeboat in the RNLI fleet – The Morrell

· The station is famous for its Lady Launchers, local women and wives of the crew who helped launch the lifeboat until 1977.

Ends

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information please contact:

Sarah Beck, Dungeness Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or 07956 615429

Jess Curtis, Regional Media Officer on 07724 801305 or [email protected]

Julie Rainey, Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 or [email protected].

RNLI Press Office is available 24/7 365 days a year on 01202 336789.

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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