First all-female crew launch at Portsmouth Lifeboat Station

The launch highlights the growing number of women volunteering at the station, and reflects the station’s commitment to encouraging more women into lifesaving roles.

Women at Portsmouth Lifeboat Station are involved across a wide range of operational and support roles, including station management, helm, boat crew and shore crew, demonstrating the vital contribution women make across the station.

The all-female crew took the Atlantic 85 out as part of a routine training exercise, marking a first for the station and showcasing the skills and experience of the female volunteers on board.

Crew member Megan Lundy, who was on board during the historic training launch, said: 'Being part of the first all-female crew launch on the Atlantic 85 was an incredible experience. It’s inspiring to see more women getting involved in the RNLI and proving that anyone with the dedication and passion to help save lives at sea can do this role.'

The station is also home to several inspiring individual stories, including Abi Hinton, 24, who first joined the RNLI as trainee boat crew at Aberdyfi Lifeboat Station at the age of 18. Abi later moved to Portsmouth to study at university and continued her volunteering with Portsmouth Lifeboat Station, where she is now the youngest female crew member on station.

Abi is currently working towards becoming an ILB navigator and has also completed the qualifications required to drive both of the station’s launch vehicles.

Abi said: 'I’ve gained so much experience and had the chance to take on new roles along the way. I’d really encourage any young women who might be interested to come along and get involved – it’s an amazing opportunity and incredibly rewarding.'

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, 'Give to Gain,' highlights the personal rewards of volunteering while making a difference in the community.

Portsmouth Lifeboat Station hopes the milestone will inspire more women and girls to consider volunteering with the RNLI and becoming part of the lifesaving team.

Notes to editors

- Portsmouth Lifeboat Station has been providing search and rescue for the eastern Solent since 1965.