Whitby Lifeboat - Present Crew

This page follows on from my previous one presenting more of today's Whitby Lifeboat Crew Members. I have placed the remaining crew members randomly as each person is simply part of a truly dedicated team. All lifeboats are supported by a vast network of personnel and the last few images are typical examples, the local coastguard team help the inshore lifeboat operating from many a cliff top and I am hoping to feature more information related to the coastguard unit soon.

The capabilities of the offshore lifeboat were tested recently in a service that sadly resulted in the loss of three people. I have chosen to add it here as an example of the conditions lifeboat crews around the coast must sometimes endure.

A small boat had set off out to sea in very poor weather, as the boat approached the harbour mouth it was hit by an extremely large wave and two of the three persons onboard the boat were thrown into the cold waters of the North Sea.

The lifeboat was on scene within minutes swiftly rescuing the two people from water. The small boat overturned as it was hit by wave after wave and the sole occupant was thrown into the water. By this time the boat had drifted over a treacherous rock ledge preventing the offshore boat from affecting rescue. Onboard the frantic efforts were made at resuscitation as it returned to its berth. The last person was rescued by the gallant search and rescue helicopter crew and airlifted to hospital. All three persons lost their lives in what was a traumatic episode for all concerned

It serves as a constant reminder of the dangers of putting to sea and the need for constant vigilance. Despite the bravery of the lifeboat crew and today's modern facilities the loss of life heralds how proud we should be of those willing to volunteer to man a lifeboat. The RNLI is a charity that deserves our support and next time you pass someone collecting in the street, give a thought for the gallant bravery of all lifeboat crews around the coast of Britain and make a generous donation.

I hope that this gallery page and the previous are of interest, I feel proud to be able to honour those who willingly volunteer to man Whitby Lifeboats.