RNLI.org | Winter 2023
MANY HAPPY RETURNS Saving lives at sea since 1824 thanks to people like you
PLUS:
SECONDS FROM DISASTER
Tough shout on North Sea coast
THINK LIKE A CREW MEMBER
Tips to stay safe
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Welcome
The RNLI and me
It’s incredible to think that the RNLI has been saving lives at sea continuously since 1824 – that’s nearly 200 years and counting. And it has all been made possible by generations of kind supporters like you. Next year is your chance to join in the celebrations for RNLI 200. You can find news of special events taking place at RNLI.org/200. To mark the RNLI’s official 200th anniversary in March you’ll be receiving a special 2024 anniversary booklet, and Your RNLI will be back as usual in the summer. In this issue, we have two dramatic rescue stories to bring you. The first involves a fishing boat with five people onboard that’s dangerously close to rocks. And the second, a bodyboarder who has a lucky escape when a rip current drags him and his board out to sea. If you’re planning to explore the great outdoors this winter, I hope you’ll find our safety advice on page 6 helpful too.
‘These wonderful volunteers’
Rob Westcott Email: your_rnli@rnli.org.uk
West Mersea lifeboat volunteers – ‘What would we do without them?’
I am fortunate to live on Mersea Island in Essex. In 2010, my husband was taken ill in the early hours. I called for an ambulance, not realising we were having the highest tide that year, at that very moment!! Time went by and no sign of the ambulance, which was terrifying. Eventually, a First Responder arrived and I have never been so glad to see a human being in my life! I learned about the high tide and was told that West Mersea lifeboat was bringing a paramedic in a ‘Medi Vac’ operation. The Coastguard then transported her to our house to begin an assessment of my husband’s condition. By the time this had taken place, the tide had gone down sufficiently and the ambulance crossed the Strood, arriving at our house to transport us to Colchester A&E. What would we do without these wonderful volunteers from the RNLI? Georgina Nicholls, Supporter
Cover photo: Yarmouth RNLI’s Severn class all-weather lifeboat Photo: RNLI/Andrew Parish © 2023 RNLI
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Photos: RNLI/(Penlee, Nathan Williams)
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‘I will do all I can’ I can tell you in three words: ‘the Solomon Browne’. Many years ago I visited Cornwall, Mousehole and the Penlee Point boathouse. Learning about the disaster [in 1981] I was overwhelmed with grief for those brave men and their families. I resolved then that when I could, I would support the RNLI. Even in these testing times I will do all I can to continue my support of all the brave men and women. Not forgetting shore based staff who are also vital to the continuation of the RNLI. David Cleaver, Supporter
The lifeboat and her crew Solomon Browne in 1963
For more on the Penlee Lifeboat Disaster visit RNLI.org/penlee1981
BECOME AN RNLI MEMBER TODAY Get even closer to the crew by becoming an RNLI member and enjoy a host of exclusive benefits. You’ll get a members’ handbook and our quarterly magazine Lifeboat, for more in depth interviews with lifesavers plus more of the rescue stories you love. Visit RNLI.org/membership or scan the QR code
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR FROM US?
JOIN A FORCE FOR GOOD
We’re so grateful for the support you have shown for the RNLI – it all helps save lives. But if you would rather not hear from us, or would like to change how we contact you, please get in touch. Just call 0300 300 9918 (from the UK), 01 511 9837 (from Ireland), or +44 1202 663234 (from any other country) on weekdays, 8am–6pm, go to RNLI.org/preferences or write to our Supporter Experience Team, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, BH15 1HZ.
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SECONDS FROM
DISASTER
Coxswain Pat Davidson and his crew Craig Aird, Huge seas and gale-force winds Murdo MacKenzie, Martyn Simpson, Mike Dyke left two fishing boats struggling to and Jonathan Hutton receive RNLI Letters of Commendation for rescuing five people in get into Peterhead Harbour. When heavy seas the tow rope between them With the tow safely attached, Pat needed broke once more, the powerless all 2,000hp of the Tamar’s engines to pull Opportunus IV and her five crew the 160-tonne fishing vessel away from the rocks. ‘I was just feathering the throttles, were plunged into danger – with praying that the tow wouldn’t part,’ he says. rocks looming nearby
‘We heard her skipper over the radio,’ says Coxswain Pat Davidson, who was on his first shout in charge of Peterhead’s Tamar class all-weather lifeboat. ‘You could tell from his tone that things were desperate. ‘It was pretty tough getting out of the harbour against the wind. As soon as I saw how close Opportunus IV was to the rocks, I shouted down for the mechanic to request a rescue helicopter. I didn’t know if we’d make it in time.’ Pat knew he only had one go at getting the lifeboat into position. Waiting for a lull between swells, he managed to get in close enough, without damaging either boat. Photos: Nicholas Leach, Craig Meheut, Wullie Marr/DC Thomson, RNLI
Once they were in the relative safety of the harbour, three local tugs took over and put Opportunus IV alongside the quay.
YOUR KINDNESS KEEPS OUR PROPS TURNING ‘To say I’m proud of my crew would be an understatement. Each and every one played a vital role that day and I’m privileged to call them my crew mates. And we couldn’t have done it without our supporters, of course. I can’t thank them enough – it’s your kindness that keeps our props turning.’ Coxswain Pat Davidson
IN THE GRIP OF A RIP Bodyboarder Matthew Lake couldn’t resist the lure of the surf early one morning at Perran Sands in Cornwall. It’s an encounter he’s unlikely to forget It was overcast and blustery, but having only arrived the day before I wanted to get straight into the waves. Because the tide was so far out and the water choppy and churning it was hard to catch a wave. So I waded out further. That’s when I felt the rip current pulling me out of my depth. I tried to paddle toward shore, hoped a wave might take me in. Instead they crashed onto me and I swallowed a lot of water. The few people who were on the beach couldn’t hear me scream for help. I felt panic rising. I thought about ditching my board and swimming for it. Then I saw the Land Rover turn toward me. I thought: ‘Oh my God,
that must be the RNLI! I’ve got to hang in there.’ One of the lifeguards, Ben, came out on a rescue board. He told me to climb on but the waves knocked us both off – a few times. That was scary. But Ben kept calm and got us both back to the beach.
‘Ben saved my life’ Matthew says: ‘Ben and Charlie were there that day thanks to generations of support and a legacy of courage. And I’m here because of it too.’
Bodyboarder Matthew
Perran Sands lifesavers Charlie and Ben
A lifeguard at work at Perranporth
‘ Rip currents can be hard to spot and even harder to get out of’ Know the risks at RNLI.org/RipCurrents Photos: Mick Blakey, Matthew Lake, Max Redwood, Shutterstock.com
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I’VE GOT CHILLS Blow away the cobwebs with top safety tips for getting outdoors and enjoying the coast
When it’s not blowing a gale outside, winter at the coast can be good for the soul. A time to breathe in some fresh sea air, soak up some natural vitamin D and enjoy quieter beaches. But, just like our lifeboat volunteers, you’ll want to be prepared with the right kit, equipment and know-how for your chosen activity. Doing so could save your life. 1. Know your activity Our safety advice covers a range of water-based and waterside activities to help keep you safe at the coast. Whatever activity you do, and no matter how experienced you are, taking a few minutes to understand or remind yourself of the risks could save your life. Visit RNLI.org/activities.
three-layer rule – a base layer to remove moisture, a mid layer for warmth, and a windproof and waterproof outer layer for protection from the elements.
2. Plan ahead Know your route, on land or at sea. Check weather and marine forecasts, and tide times. 3. Dress smart In the water this may include pulling on a winter wetsuit, and a buoyancy aid or lifejacket. Or if you’re planning a coastal stroll, lace up some well-fitting walking shoes for grip. And don’t forget the
TOP TIP
Carry your mobile phone in a waterproof pouch around your neck or in your buoyancy aid pocket
7 4. Pack essentials Take a means of calling for help, such as a charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. Depending on your activity, this may also include a personal locator beacon (PLB) and/or a VHF radio. For longer or more challenging trips, include a map, whistle, waterproofs, snacks, water, change robe and a hot drink. 5. Buddy up Go with friends, family or an organised group. Or tell someone what you’re doing, where you’re going and how long you’ll be. 6. Be snap safe Check for dangers when taking photos. And when on land, be wary of all edges – it’s not just high cliff edges that are a risk.
FACT
Did you know slips and falls when walking and running are the biggest cause of death on our coastlines?
7. Float to Live Learn and practise how to float – even if you don’t intend to get wet. Visit RNLI.org/float
If you’re struggling in the water ... Tilt your head back with ears submerged
TOP TIP
Go with family, friends or an organised group
Relax and move your hands to help you stay afloat
Remember it. Share it.
Photos: Scott Ramsey, RNLI/(Harrison Bates, Nigel Millard, Nathan Williams)
CELEBRATE SOMEONE YOU LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS
Add the name of a loved one to the side of Shannon class lifeboat Eric’s Legend 13-40 and they will save lives alongside our lifeboat crews all around the coast. They’ll be there in all weathers, day or night, just like our volunteer crews will be this Christmas – and all year round. To make a donation and add your loved one’s name: Scan the QR code or visit RNLI.org/LAMlifeboat, or call us on 0300 300 0061 (from the UK) and 01 511 9871 (from Ireland).
Add a name by 22 December and receive a personalised certificate in time for Christmas.
I/YR/12/23
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney, of West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ