Busy 2010 for RNLI Lifeboat Crews

RNLI lifeboats had another busy year in 2010, according to the charity’s annual launch statistics released today (25th January). Lifeboats from stations in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, east and west Sussex spent a total of 1,070 hours at sea, the equivalent of a whole 44 days.

Figures for the Isle of Wight:

• Bembridge RNLI: launched 47 times and rescued 113 people
• Cowes RNLI: launched 41 times and rescued 49 people
• Yarmouth RNLI: launched 35 times and rescued 64 people

The figures come just days ahead of the RNLI’s annual SOS Day, which this years takes place on Friday 28th January.

All over the south east of England, fundraising branches and supporters are organising and taking part in fundraising activities to raise funds for the charity. And it’s not too late to get involved – to find out what is happening in your area, to find out how you can support the RNLI, or to simply make a donation, visit www.rnli.org.uk/sos

The figures (below) show that across 15 coastal lifeboat stations, crews collectively launched a total of 962 times.

• Bembridge RNLI: launched 47 times and rescued 113 people
• Cowes RNLI: launched 41 times and rescued 49 people
• Yarmouth RNLI: launched 35 times and rescued 64 people
• Lymington RNLI: launched 40 times and rescued 53 people
• Calshot RNLI: launched 113 times and rescued 76 people
• Portsmouth RNLI: launched 104 times and rescued 91 people
• Hayling Island RNLI: launched 102 times and rescued 65 people
• Selsey RNLI: launched 33 times and rescued 40 people
• Littlehampton RNLI: launched 95 times and rescued 95 people
• Harbour: launched 61 times and rescued 68 people
• Brighton: launched 67 times and rescued 93 people
• Newhaven RNLI: launched 53 times and rescued 71 people
• Eastbourne RNLI: launched 112 times and rescued 118 people
• Hastings RNLI: launched 33 times and rescued 26 people
• Rye Harbour: launched 26 times and rescued 29 people

The numbers highlight the level of commitment made by the volunteer crew men and women who regularly give up their own time to go to sea to aid others in distress. Indeed, they show that yet again RNLI’s lifeboats across the UK and Republic of Ireland had another busy year, launching a total of 8,713 times. Overall, the RNLI rescued a total of 8,313 people in 2010, more than the 8,186 rescued in 2009.

Fundraisers at the charity hope the announcement will encourage the public to spare a thought for its dedicated volunteers, and get involved on the RNLI’s annual SOS Day. People all across the region will be taking part in activities designed to raise the much needed funds to help ensure the lifesaving service can continue.

Andrew Ashton, Divisional Inspector for the RNLI East Division, said: ‘These figures show that once again RNLI lifeboats and their volunteer crews have had a busy year of saving lives at sea. When you consider that we remain a charity, independent of the Government and the Coastguard, this is no mean feat.

‘No-one can deny we are living in challenging times – changes in our economy mean life is tough for many people. As a charity that relies on voluntary contributions we are so very grateful to all those who are still able to support us. It is only through donations and support from the public that we were able to launch our lifeboats to assist those in distress. For that I say thank you to everyone for their generous support, even in these difficult times.’

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