Invergordon RNLI crew pays tribute to 9500 names on anniversary of new lifeboat's arrival
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A lifeboat crew has paid tribute to thousands of volunteers, supporters and their late loved ones on the anniversary of a new vessel’s arrival.
On November 1 last year, Invergordon RNLI took ownership of the lifesaving charity’s Shannon class lifeboat numbered RNLI 13-37.
Fittingly, having entered the Cromarty Firth for the first time, it arrived at Invergordon at 13:37 hours.
The boat carries 9500 names of supporters’ family members on her decals.
To mark the first anniversary, the crew gathered by the full decal sign, which is a replica of her hull numbers, complete with all the names on the RNLI’s first Launch a Memory campaign.
The gesture was to show their respect and thanks for the support shown to them over the first year on station.
At 1.37 pm, Invergordon RNLI coxswain Andrew Murray placed a wreath at the base of the RNLI 13-37 sign, watched members of the volunteer crew, followed by a minute’s silence.
Coxswain Andrew Murray said: “We thought this would be an apt way to remember those who sail with us, those who are remembered by their family and friends, and a gesture of thanks for our supporters who have been amazing through the tough times we have all experienced over the last 18 months.”
The crew at Invergordon are working to bring a visitor experience to the station for supporters, enabling station visits and tours.
There is also the prospect of a virtual tour for those who cannot visit, which Invergordon RNLI is aiming to set in place in early 2022.”
The RNLI charity and its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the coasts of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.
In all there are 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands.
The RNLI operates independently of coastguard services and Government, depending on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.
Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, it is estimated that lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
