A final fond farewell to cherished Dunbar RNLI crew member Kerry

Following Kerry’s sudden and tragic death in December, her ashes were brought aboard Dunbar’s all-weather lifeboat John Neville Taylor by her mother Norma and sister Sara for a last poignant journey from Dunbar Harbour before being released into the sea in a specialised earth urn. Escorting Kerry to her final resting place was the crew of Dunbar’s D class inshore lifeboat David Lauder and RNLI volunteers from Eyemouth in their Shannon class Helen Hastings.

A talented tattoo artist who ran her own studio in East Linton, Kerry became a volunteer after attending an RNLI recruitment event to attract more women to join the crew. In a short space of time, Kerry impressed everyone with her enthusiasm and quickly became a popular and valued member of the team. News of her loss, aged 34, sparked a remarkable outpouring of compassion across the wider RNLI and search and rescue family, as lifeboat stations throughout the UK and Ireland lowered their flags in her honour. At an emotional celebration of her life in her home town of Dunfermline, Fife, last month, Dunbar crew members were joined by fellow RNLI volunteers and staff to form a guard of honour for her coffin.

Kerry’s mum Norma said: ‘Joining the lifeboat crew ignited such a passion in Kerry. She so loved her time on the boats it seemed only fitting to have the crew who cared for her and kept her safe to be there when we scattered her ashes.’

Dunbar Lifeboat Operations Manager Ian Wilson said: ‘It was a sad moment for our extended lifeboat family – joined by our flank station – to come together with Kerry’s family and friends to say our last goodbyes and to mark her final resting place. We’ll be able to give her a wave every time we go past and know that she’s still with us. Rest in peace crew mate. One of ours, always.’

Notes to editors

With photos

· Biodegradable earth urns for water burial are eco-friendly, sustainable vessels designed to float briefly before sinking and dissolving, allowing for a dignified, natural return of ashes to water.

· Established in 1808, 16 years before the formation of the RNLI, Dunbar Lifeboat Station is one of the oldest in Scotland and is located on the south side of the mouth of the Firth of Forth.

· Since its formation, its volunteer crews have been honoured with 12 awards for gallantry.

· It operates two lifeboats – the Trent class all-weather lifeboat (ALB) John Neville Taylor, moored at Torness Power Station, and the D-class inshore lifeboat (ILB) David Lauder, which launches from Dunbar Harbour.

· A file photo of Dunbar’s lifeboats can be viewed here.

RNLI media contacts

Douglas Wight, Dunbar RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Alexander Williams, Dunbar RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer [email protected]

Richard Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office (available 24 hours) 01202 336789 [email protected]

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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