RNLI volunteers in the South West ready to leave Christmas celebrations to save lives
Crews remain prepared to respond throughout the festive season
RNLI lifeboat crews across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and the Channel Islands are preparing to spend the festive season on call, ready to drop their celebrations at a moment’s notice to save lives at sea.
Last year, lifeboats in the region launched 12 times between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, including a callout to The Lizard on 24th December 2024 for a medical emergency aboard a commercial coaster.
Severe fog left the Coastguard helicopter unable to take off that night, meaning the volunteer lifeboat crew was the only way to provide immediate help for the injured crew member, who had fallen down a flight of stairs.
Once aboard, RNLI crew stabilised the casualty using emergency care training. When the fog lifted, Coastguard paramedics arrived by helicopter and, working together, safely airlifted the injured man to hospital.
The rescue lasted into the early hours of Christmas Day, with the lifeboat crew returning to station at 12.20am and preparing the lifeboat for the next callout by 12.50am.
The commitment of RNLI volunteers
Volunteer second mechanic Johnny Bray from The Lizard lifeboat station was involved in the Christmas Eve rescue alongside his sons, Matthew and Harry. He spoke about the effort from the team:
“In total, 22 crew, shore crew and launch authorities answered their pagers late on Christmas Eve.
“While for many people, Christmas Eve is a time of merriment and celebration with friends and family, even at this time of year people still get in trouble at sea, and we’re all prepared to leave our own celebrations to help them.”
Johnny added that such lifesaving missions are only possible due to donations from the public.
“As volunteer lifeboat crew, we couldn’t launch without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and to get home safely.”
How to support RNLI’s Christmas Appeal
The RNLI’s lifesaving work relies on donations, and this year’s Christmas Appeal aims to ensure crews can continue responding to emergencies at sea.
To support the appeal, visit RNLI.org/WinterAppeal.
The RNLI volunteers across the south west remain ready to act whenever people in need require their help, including staying on call over festive periods.