As the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) comes to the end of its milestone 200th anniversary year, the charity is launching its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, with a focus on the volunteer lifeboat crew members who are spending Christmas on-call.

Just one of the hundreds of teams of volunteers preparing for a Christmas on-call is that of Bridlington RNLI in East Yorkshire, where there has been a lifeboat station since 1805. Last December, on the night of their annual Christmas party, the crew were called shortly before midnight to assist with an urgent medical evacuation from a wind farm supply vessel, anchored 85 nautical miles off the coast.

‘Not long after getting home from the party, the pager went,’ said Coxswain Steve Emmerson. ‘I showed up at the station in half-and-half – dress trousers paired with a pyjama top!’

Crew Member and Lifeboat Training Coordinator Sarah Berrey added: ‘I ran to the station in my dress – I’d just managed to get my heels off and some flip-flops on! We laughed as we kitted up.’

Facing darkness, strong winds and choppy seas, the crew began the three-hour journey out to the vessel, and transferred the sick casualty onboard. They then faced a gruelling five-hour trip back to land, as conditions worsened and the person who had been evacuated became more unwell.

‘We were hitting massive waves – going up and then crashing down over the other side,’ recalled Sarah.

When the crew finally reached shore, they handed the casualty into the care of the Coastguard, and were finally able to head home.

Steve Emmerson said: ‘There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe – especially at Christmas. We’re dedicated to saving lives at sea and even though it was our Christmas party, we’d stuck to soft drinks so that we were ready to launch if needed.

‘It’s a testament to the crew’s skill and professionalism that this transfer in terrible conditions went so smoothly. Even at this time of year, people still need rescuing, and we’re all prepared to leave our own celebrations to help them.’

On average, RNLI lifeboats launch over 100 times during the Christmas period* every year. Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to sacrifice time with their families and battle the elements to save lives at sea. These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed to keep crews prepared and protected.

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal

*’Christmas period’ refers to 24 December – 1 January inclusive

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