The latest figures released today by the RNLI charity reveal the island’s volunteer lifeboat crew were called out 47 times last year. Volunteer crews rescued a total of 52 people during the year. Despite a slight drop in the number of incidents, Manx volunteers spent more time out at sea than the previous year.
Peel lifeboat station was the busiest of the five Manx stations in 2014 responding to 13 service calls and rescuing 15 people. On one service call, the crew launched to a yacht in difficulty in rough sea conditions 12 nautical miles from the shore. After pushing through difficult sea conditions the volunteer crew successfully established a tow with the casualty vessel and towed them back to the safety of the harbour at Peel.
Douglas RNLI volunteers rescued 15 people in 2014, launching 10 times over the year. Both Douglas and Ramsey RNLI crews used their skills to help search for a small boat in April which was overdue on its scheduled return. Douglas RNLI searched an area from Douglas to Port Grenaugh as Ramsey lifeboat continued the search for the vessel in the south, which had two people on board. The search was stood down nearly two hours later after the occupants were found safe and well at Laxey Harbour.
One of Port Erin’s 12 service calls in 2014 was to a hypothermic kayaker back in July. The volunteers steered the lifeboat close to the rocky shoreline as they carefully transferred the kayaker to safety.
Port St Mary RNLI volunteers launched to assist a lone yachtsman whose vessel had lost its mast in August. The 35 foot long yacht was nine miles off Port St Mary when the lifeboat crew arrived on scene. The yacht was quickly towed back to safety.
Darren Byers, RNLI Divisional Lifeboat Manager said:
‘Every year I am amazed by the commitment shown by RNLI volunteers to help save lives at sea. The time, commitment and passion shown by lifeboat crew, not only towards training or when the pager sounds, but also to support their local fundraising branches to help fund the charity is inspiring.’
Darren continued: ‘Manx RNLI lifeboat crew spent the equivalent of 140 days out at sea last year. The majority of that time was spent training and honing their skills so that they are can respond and provide the best service whatever the time or conditions to help those in trouble.’
This weekend Manx RNLI volunteers will be busy holding various events across the island to help raise funds towards the charity. Port Erin RNLI fundraising branch are holding various ‘SOS’ events over the weekend, from offering a delicious meal of ‘Soup or Spud’ to ‘Soap Our Saloons’ to ensure gleaming vehicles ready for the weekend. Peel RNLI volunteers are holding a coffee morning on Friday morning, followed by a fun but challenging quiz in the evening. Douglas lifeboat crew are inviting supporters for a hearty lunch at the British Hotel, from 12pm Friday, followed by a sweet treat of sticky toffee pudding and custard to complete the meal.
Photo - Peel’s Mersey class all-weather lifeboat Ruby Clery during a training exercise. Credit: RNLI.
